How Woodburn Cars and Coffee Gives Back to the Community

Fostering Community Through Positive Action

Probably one of my biggest goals with Woodburn Cars and Coffee, if not the biggest, is connecting the local car community with the rest of the Woodburn community – and holding respectful car events is not enough on its own. We have to build that connection with action that shows we are committed to more than just showing out, we need to show up for the community in ways that make a positive impact. So, lets talk about it!

Supporting local charities is a common way that social clubs and events show up for their communities, and for good reason. Without contributions from their surrounding community, charities simply can’t do the work they set out to do – and it isn’t easy. There’s overhead costs for their brick and mortar locations, such as rent, utilities, licensing, supplies, and outreach efforts. These can pile up quickly, and without support, charities fail, and communities that need their services suffer. At some point in our lives, charities touch each and every one of lives, either through direct help, or help for friends, family, and other loved ones in their time of need. Not a single person’s life is untouched by the good these organizations do.

We mentioned in some of our previous posts that we would be supporting our local community charities, but had not said which charities we would be supporting, so I’d like to talk about the one of the charities we support, how we support them, how they support our communities, as well as how you can help.

Colton Helping Hands: Fighting Food Insecurity

“The men and women who volunteer their time here are some of the best people I know. Kind!!! Fun loving!! Generous!!!”

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Currently, we are running a food and cash donation drive to support Colton Helping Hands Food Bank Inc., a 501(c)3 entity that serves Molalla and the surrounding area. Located in Colton across from the High School, they are open Thursdays from 10 am until 5 pm. They offer shelf stable staples like canned vegetables, fruits, meats, boxed broth and milk, rice, and even baby formula and food as available, and fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins like onions, potatoes, bread, eggs, carrots, and more, to more than 320 food insecure individuals each week. Volunteers help with shelf shopping on site, assist with unloading carts and returning them to the building, and provide a cheerful experience for people who are often under immense amounts of stress when they come in, lending friendly smiles and open ears to community struggles. The services they provide help free up financial resources for families and individuals to cover other essentials such as power and other utilities, rent, and more, making it easier for them to bridge the gap in tough financial situations. Their reviews are a great testament to the good they do!

“The best food pantry ever. Kind and non judgmental, is a great resource for those in need.”

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So how can you help us support them? Easy! Come to Cars and Coffee on Sundays through the end of June, and drop off what you can afford to donate – we’re accepting canned fruits, vegetables, and meats; boxed food including pastas, soup bases, and shelf stable milks; as well as fresh fruits like oranges, apples, and pears, vegetables including potatoes, carrots, and celery, and more. They also accept recyclable cans and bottles, and cash donations to help cover their overhead costs. On Monday we take all the donations to the food bank, which they distribute on Thursdays.

“My boyfriend recently lost his job & we are in a tight spot. People here were friendly & amazing, making an already nerve-wracking experience for me easy & pleasant. I left feeling so incredibly grateful for the kindness of others.”

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For more information on Colton Helping Hands Food Bank Inc., you can visit their Facebook page here, which has reviews, address, hours, and updates on what they have available to people who need their services each week.