vernonia’s
voice volunteerism
Vernonia Cares Lends a Helping Hand
july/aug
2007
03
By Scott Laird
one’s situation improves and they no longer need
services. “I especially like to see the people whose
situation changes to the point where they are able to
donate to Cares themselves. I love watching that. To
be able to give back is a wonderful feeling.”
From humble beginnings, a pillar of the commu-
nity has developed. Vernonia Cares is the local food
pantry with a long history of service. Currently, they
distribute supplies, including food boxes containing
three days worth of meals. Known as just “Cares”
to those familiar with them, the organization started
out putting together Christmas gift baskets back in
1984. It was quickly decided that there was actually
a year round need for a food pantry and services. Part
time space was generously offered by the American
Legion. With only small changes, that’s how things
have operated for over 20 years. But change is on the
horizon.
“We are really looking forward to our new build-
ing,” said current Director Sandy Welch, about plans
for construction near the old Mill Pond that will place
the Senior Center and Vernonia Cares under the same
roof. “Sharing a building with the Senior Center will
be a win-win situation for everybody. Since many of
our clients and services are the same, this will really
help both the Seniors and my clients,” said Sandy
during a recent visit. “We will have a loading dock,
storage and space which will make providing services
much easier.”
Vernonia Cares currently purchases about 4,500
pounds of food each month, serving about 100
families, or 250-300 people of which approximately
thirty-three percent are children and twelve or thirteen
percent are seniors).
Sandy Welch took the position as Director at Ver-
nonia Cares in 2001. “It was a steep learning curve
from day one,” said Sandy. “When I took over, I went
door-to-door to every business in town, asking for
help. Everyone stepped up in some way, whether it
was with funds, information or discounts.” Sandy had
been a homemaker and was homeschooling her chil-
dren. “My last child was getting ready to enter high
school, and I decided it was time to widen my field of
contact and get out in the community more. Vernonia
Cares was looking for a director, and I was asked if I
might be interested. I volunteered for a month and
thought and prayed about it before deciding to take the
position.”
“One part of the job I was not especially comfort-
able with was the networking, being so public, having
my picture taken frequently. It was probably the thing
I least enjoyed, and yet it has also been such a bless-
ing. I have really enjoyed the chance to get to know
and work with so many different people in the com-
munity,” said Sandy.
If Sandy Welch is the face of Vernonia Cares,
then the volunteers are the heart and soul. “We have
a great, devoted group,” said Sandy. “We could not
do what we do without them.” She also commented
on the level of community involvement. “We are
WORLD
FAMOUS
Vernonia Cares continues to be a beacon of hope
for those in the community who need a helping hand.
While children and the elderly make up fifty-six
percent of those assisted, Sandy said, “All kinds of
people come in and use our service to help them get
by during a month – it might be that someone just
moved or has been laid off.”
If you would like more information about Verno-
nia Cares, or would like to make a donation or volun-
teer, contact Director Sandy Welch at 503-429-1414,
or e-mail her at directorsandy@yahoo.com .
Vernonia Cares is currently located at: 627 Adams
Avenue, Vernonia, Oregon
strongly supported by this community,” said Sandy.
“We have local citizens who bring us extra produce
from their gardens and even have people who raise
their garden with the intention of donating what they
overproduce to us. We especially appreciate fresh
produce. It’s something we don’t usually have access
to.”
About one-third of the Vernonia Care’s budget
comes from United Way funding with the other two-
thirds being raised through contributions, grants and/
or fundraisers. One fundraising opportunity is com-
ing up August 18 – the annual Vernonia Bear Creek
10K/5K Run/Walk Event. To register, contact Maria
Lemay, Race Director at (503) 429-1069.
Cares is especially
thankful for contributions
from groups. Recently,
the United States Postal
Service’s Food Drive and
the Rose City Motorcycle
Club delivered over 1,000
pounds of food to Verno-
nia Cares. “Cycle Oregon
donated their leftovers from
the weekend ride when
they were in town last
month,” said Sandy. “Those
kinds of donations can help
us for months.”
When asked about
special or favorite stories,
Sandy responded that she
always likes when some-
B
For donation purposes, food value is estimated at
$1.50 per pound. Vernonia Cares is a 501c3 and can
provide tax deductible receipts for donations.
Groceries and supplies that are rarely received in
donation, and that are especially helpful include:
Personal care items (body soap, toothpaste, tooth-
brushes, deodorant, shampoo)
Canned chicken or beef, or meals already containing
meat
Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, napkins,
Kleenex, paper plates & cups)
Cleaning products
Diapers (any size)
Baby food or formula
Coffee, tea, or juice
G!
N
I
OV oor)
M
E
d
AR next
E
W ight
(r
Computer servicing
Upgrades & repairs
Troubleshooting
Office supplies
Cell phones & service
Ink & toner refill
bits&pcs
503-429-TECH
M-F 10-6
SAT 10-5
866 Bridge Street, Vernonia
Coffee Drinks,
Smoothies
Micro Brews, Wine
& so much more.
arlow
ikes &
oards
bike sales
parts & service
accessories
skateboards
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
832 madison avenue, vernonia
wed. to sat. 10-6 sun. 11-4
info@barlowbikes.com st. helens 503-397-4900
503-429-0762
ORDER AHEAD!
831 BRIDGE STREET
VERNONIA, OREGON
503-429-0214
open daily at 6 am