Seasonal & Holidays
Giving Back In Portland: Local Causes To Support This Season
Celebrate Giving Tuesday all season long by donating, volunteering and spreading the word about these amazing local organizations.
Giving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages people to give back to their communities, typically through charitable donations, volunteer work or acts of kindness. It takes place annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the U.S., right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While it's celebrated widely, the real impact happens when we do good right at home by supporting local businesses, causes and organizations working to uplift our own communities.
We've rounded up a list of some great organizations, causes and initiatives in the Portland area. Please keep in mind, this is by no means an exhaustive list — just a starting point for discovering amazing local opportunities to give back, not only on Giving Tuesday but year-round! Be sure to contact each organization directly to find out about their hours or the best ways you can contribute.
Hands On Greater Portland
Hands On Greater Portland, the volunteer program of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, connects thousands of volunteers to meaningful projects that improve lives and strengthen communities. Their mission is to advance equity by mobilizing the caring power of people across the metro area. Whether you're interested in building houses, tutoring children, caring for pets, or maintaining hiking trails, Hands On offers a variety of ways to get involved based on your schedule and interests.
Learn more: handsonportland.org
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Blanchet House & Farm
Blanchet House is dedicated to serving those in need with compassion and dignity through services like hot meals at the Founders Café, transitional residential programs at Blanchet Farm for men seeking recovery and the downtown Portland House Program. Volunteers are welcome to help serve meals and sort clothing, while donations and care kits are also needed to support those in the community experiencing homelessness.
Learn more: blanchethouse.org
Oregon Food Bank
The Oregon Food Bank connects local residents in need with nutritious food while working to eliminate the root causes of hunger, such as barriers to employment, affordable housing and healthcare. Volunteers are needed for tasks like packing food, distributing meals, making phone calls and advocating for change at the state Capitol. Donations of funds and food are also accepted to support these efforts.
Learn more: oregonfoodbank.org
Find out what's happening in Portlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Dress for Success Oregon
Dress for Success Oregon empowers unemployed and underemployed women to achieve economic independence by offering no-fee programs, development tools and professional attire to help them succeed in work and life. Clothing donations are accepted on designated Donation Call Out Days. Core Volunteers support both client-facing and behind-the-scenes roles like personal shopping, organizing clothing, interview coaching and more.
Learn more: oregon.dressforsuccess.org
Portland YouthBuilders
Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) supports young people in transforming their lives through education, vocational training, counseling and long-term career development. Many students come from backgrounds of trauma, including poverty, homelessness, substance abuse and justice system involvement. Support through donations, grants and sponsorships helps PYB students, their families and the wider community thrive.
Learn more: pybpdx.org
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