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