The Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe assisted with feeding the hungry during the holiday season by awarding funds to local food banks on Tuesday.
Tribal board member Luann Urban and tribal board treasurer Robert Van Norman presented $2,000 checks to 18 recipients at a ceremony held at the Cow Creek Tribal Government Offices in Roseburg.
“Presenting these checks to assist with feeding the (hungry) is one of the most gratifying things I get to do in my responsibility as a tribal board member,” Van Norman said.
The funds received will help the South Douglas Food Bank in Riddle distribute hams and turkeys to about 300 families in time for Christmas Day dinners. The food bank serves up to 400 families a month.
This is the first time in a few years that the pantry could provide its clients with holiday meals. This award in addition to another grant will provide funds for those meals.
“We received a grant for turkeys and hams for Christmas this year, so this helps fill out the grant to give something special to our clients,” said pantry manager Lori Lonergan. “The people appreciate it.”
Pantry Coordinator Barbara Sutch from St. Vincent de Paul of Myrtle Creek was appreciative for the cash award because her pantry spends up to $1,700 a month for food to serve up to 300 families.
Lola Thompson, the pantry director of Glide Helping Hands, shared that her pantry helps many seniors in the Glide area.
“We can help many more people in the Glide area with this donation,” Thompson said. The pantry now supports about 50 families each week.
Pastor Brent Church from the Roseburg Corps of the Salvation Army said that food is one thing that people will always need.
“Food boxes can make people comfortable because sometimes finances are not there, and food boxes help our clients,” said Church.
The eighteen food banks in Douglas County that received the awards were the AARP Pantry in Reedsport, Community Care Food Pantry in Willard, the Winston Food Pantry, FISH in Drain, the Glendale/Azalea Christmas Bureau, ROLWOC Provision Food Pantry and Glide Helping Hands.
Additional pantries receiving awards were St. Francis Community Kitchen, St. Vincent de Paul of both Myrtle Creek and Roseburg, Sutherlin/Oakland Emergency Pantry, UCAN Food Bank, South Douglas Food Bank, St. Joseph’s Community Kitchen, FISH, Friendly Kitchen, Salvation Army and Roseburg Rescue Mission.
“I am so glad that I can be involved with people who are so giving,” said Susan Ferris, a spokesperson for the tribe. “Go forth and do good things.”
