Events

Mt. Hood Beverage Reaching Out For Those In Need

During the month of December Mt. Hood Beverage teammates reached out for those in need by raising $2,320 for the American Red Cross, donating $10,000 to the United Way, collecting 2,095 pounds of food and donating $5,000 for the Oregon Food Bank and by sponsoring a family in need during the holidays.

Aiding the Red Cross

In response to the December hurricane and flooding that devastated communities along the Oregon coastline, Mt. Hood Beverage teammates held a breakfast for teammates and asked for donations of canned food for the Oregon Food Bank and direct cash contributions for The American Red Cross to aid in the relief efforts. An auction was also held at the event where donated items were auctioned off to teammates to raise money for the victims. In all over $2,320 was raised for The American Red Cross. "Your contribution has eased the challenges of Oregonians by restoring their hope", Thomas Bruner, Chief Executive Officer-The American Red Cross.

During the first week in December, rising floodwaters and precarious mudslides compelled many Oregon residents to abandon their homes and seek safety. As these storms caused significant damage and major power outages, individuals and families turned to the Red Cross for help. In Oregon, the Red Cross opened nine shelters with over 2,000 overnight stays. Red Cross disaster workers served more than 45,000 hot meals and snacks, and distributed comfort kits to those who arrived at shelters with little more than the clothes they wore. Disaster workers in ten Emergency Response Vehicles helped those who could not reach the shelters.

Generous Donation to The United Way

Mt. Hood Beverage's Portland branch teammates choose to give back to their community in the spirit of the Holiday season. Instead of having a Holiday party for the 367 teammates, the branch choose to donate the money for the party to the United Way organization. On December 14th, Portland branch Regional Managers presented Joe Litzinger, of United Way (Columbia-Willamette) with a $10,000 check to help those less fortunate and to provide them with a measure of joy during the Holiday season and throughout 2008. "What an incredible, magnificent company that you work for. I have never met a team of people that are so caring and giving", Joe Litzinger, Loaned Executive- United Way, in response to check donation from Mt. Hood Beverage.

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's mission is helping people, changing lives, making every contribution count. Their vision for a community is where people are committed to the well being of children. Where families are nurtured and supported and neighborhoods are safe. Where individuals are prepared to succeed in a complex, changing world; and a strong, diverse economy creates good jobs. Where all people see the possibilities for themselves and others, are healthy and living as independently as possible. Where diversity is embraced. Where people live and work together, encouraging and supporting one another.

View the Mt. Hood donation mention in the United Way Winter newsletter

Collecting for the Oregon Food Bank

Throughout the month of December Mt. Hood Beverage teammates collected 2,095 pounds of food for the Oregon Food Bank. The Oregon Food Bank collects and distributes food in Oregon and Clark County, WA and works to address the root causes and hunger through many programs including Advocacy, the Learning Garden and the Nutrition Education programs. An average food box weighs 50 pounds for a family of three. Mt. Hood collected enough food to support over 41 families!

Last year 37% of the people receiving emergency food were children. Each month, an estimated 194,000 people, including 72,000 children, ate meals from an emergency food box. In addition, soup kitchens and shelters distributed 3.9 million meals. "Oregon Food Bank is the story of what we can accomplish, when working together. We thank you for choosing to fight hunger and its root causes. We thank you for your compassion and support ...because no one should be hungry", Christine Hames, Corporate Relations Manager, of The Oregon Food Bank responding to Mt. Hood Beverage's donation.

Mt. Hood Beverage corporate teammates generously choose to give to the Oregon Food Bank instead of holding a Holiday party for its teammates. A check in the amount of $5,000 was presented to Barbara Peschiera, Director of Development, Oregon Food Bank on December 19th.

Reaching out for a Family in Need

Mt. Hood Beverage's Tri-Cities branch reached out for a local family of five during the Holiday season. Teammates sponsored a single mother along with her three sons and daughter by donating gifts and meals during the Holiday. Branch teammates thoughtfully donated $100 gift cards, Christmas stockings, and a Christmas dinner to the family members. "It was through Goodwill. We delivered personally. The mom was extremely grateful. The place they are calling home didn't even seem to be a decent shelter, but she was grateful for it. She said that your donations made their Christmas, as she was not able to get anything for her family. She hugged each one of us and cried as she thanked us again.", Lori Kembell, Mt. Hood Beverage teammate family member, responding to delivery of the donations.