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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 3, 2006)
northwest Kids and Holidays Jasf Out joins Friends of People with AIDS in making holidays festive for families by Jaymee R. Cuti F oil wrappers and paper snowflakes often get shuffled aside when parents are tending to their own HIV status or the wellness of their children. But the Friends of People with AIDS Foundation has taken care for more than a decade to ensure that the holidays are preserved for children and families affected hy H1V/AIDS. What began in 1991 as a collection and deliv ery service of presents called the Santa Program has morphed into the Kids and Holidays program, which provides a holiday party with local digni taries, bags of presents and Santa Claus. Friends of People with AIDS arranged the first holiday party last year at the East Portland Community Center when it became clear that the number of families needing assistance during the holidays had grown. “Things are just not getting any better. There are more people falling below the poverty level and so many more new cases of people with AIDS,” said Kevin Friends, executive director of the organization. Last year, more than 100 children and their families attended the holiday party. From newborn to 18 years old, any child whose family is affected by AIDS in Yamhill, Columbia, Clackamas, Multnomah, Clark and Washington counties is eligible to participate. Participants are referred through clinical caseworkers. Friends described last year’s party as a success, in that children had fun and parents had a chance to mix with each other, clinicians and caseworkers in a social setting. “It was three hours of nothing but fun, and that’s what the holidays should be for kids," he said. “We had a lot of emotional parents last year who Donated toys make the holidays happier for children affected by HIV/AIOS. were just thrilled that they had a place for their kids to come that was safe, where they could talk to Just Out has arranged for several community Last year, attendees included Mayor Tom Potter other parents in the same situation.” events to serve as official toy drive drop-off sites. and his wife, Karin Hansen, City Commissioner The Kids and Holidays program is returning to One in the series of events is its monthly Gay Skate Sam Adams, Darcelle XV and Roxy LeRoy. a method that has worked in years past: adopting a Night at Oaks Park. Bring a new, unwrapped toy They’re invited again this year, as are the Portland family. Just Out has gotten in on the giving. Nov. 20 to be donated to Friends of People with Trail Blazers! Guests will also he treated to Blazers tickets and gift cards from Target. © “People like to adopt a child. They like to get AIDS. the list. They have a name and an age. It really Some businesses, including Safeway, Costco makes people feel good," said Friends. and Classic Pianos, are donating supplies to make Events that benefit the Friends of People with AIDS Kids create lists of items they want, from dolls the party memorable. Foundation’s KlDS AND HOLIDAYS program are the to video games to winter clothes, and pass the lists The Oregon Bears’ Teddy Bear Show on Dec. 10 Oregon Bears’ Teddy Bear Show 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at to their caseworkers. The list is then passed to at Darcelle XV Showplace is one of the major fund Darcelle XV Showplace. 208 N.W. Third Ave., Friends of People with AIDS, and donors either raisers for the event. The cover charge, auction and Just Out’s Gay Skate Night from 7 to 9 p.m. give money—$50 a child—or shop for the gifts proceeds and even tip money to performers are Nov. 20 at Oaks Park, 1 S.E. Spokane St. Visit themselves. donated to Friends of People with AIDS. uww.justout .com for additional events and updates. The bags of gifts are distributed at the holiday “All the money that we collect during the hol For questions or more information on adopting a party by Santa Claus, whose alter ego is Mr. Oregon idays is put towards the gifts and nothing else,” said family, contact Jean Landers at 503'519-1740 or Bear Steve Strong. Friends. “If we collect more, the kids get more.” vice-chaii^friendspwa. org. nut f amity Realtor Since /son, „nUDLY p R ° u GAY SINCE i o-» >7o **<// me, you'll know your dollars are Mercy Corps , contribute at least 10°fo oj my J Mrni^js to community and jfl K RFZm Unique hand-crafted local, organic 4 European goods Portland Lesbian Choir Habitat for Humanity environmental organizations. FRESV STUFF for KIDS - F Our House [ National Gay B & Lesbian Taskforce helping support a greater cause. I 4 Della Stella New and gently used clothing, toys, furniture 4 gear In Other Words wkcn w« buy or sell a home with * ALL FAMILIES WELCOME No on 4} Ijll^k LCP 2635 NE Broadway www.bellastellaresale.com 503.284.4636 i MILLYNN JAMES Broker, Graduate Realtor Institute ABR Accredited Buyers Represent 503.330.H0ME (46631 • 1.600.825.9948 0 <• _ . _ WWW.millynn.COm • millynn@aol.COm T 4
