Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 7, 2019)
SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019 | 7A TREE from page 1A Then, just days before Christ- mas, Ambrosio, along with her assistant Karen Crowder and a group of volunteers, host a par- ty for the teenagers to unwrap the presents. “These young adults need things,” Ambrosio said. “They get jaded at Christmas. I wanted to put the spirit in their hearts. Many don’t have a Christmas at home, so this party is it for them. It’s so festive, and they really, really enjoy it. It’s so cool to give it to that age group that is hard to please. And they’re so happy.” Anyone who wishes to help can take a list and buy what’s asked for, bringing gifts back to Twin Lakes to be wrapped up and presented. Ambrosio, Crowder and staff also give money of their own, while a year-round fundraiser of bottle and can donations helps raise funds to fill out the lists. “As to the popularity of the program, it comes down to how the gifts are chosen. Instead of random gifts that people do- nate, the Giving Tree works off of specific lists that the kids provide. You need to get what they ask for,” Ambrosio said. “If you get them something else, it might not be what they wanted. And you know how they are. We really do stick with the list.” Each list consists of three sections: needs, wants and ed- ucational. The requests are sel- dom frivolous. “There’s a lot of bedding this year,” Ambrosio said. “Two beds, one wanted a mattress, one wanted a bed. That’s heart- breaking, so I really do need to find that.” Clothing is a big request, in- cluding socks, a raincoat, boots and other necessities. “A lot of shampoo and conditioner,” Ambrosio pointed out. As to why they ask for it, the answer is simple. “They just don’t have it,” Crowder said. “We’ve had five bras request- ed,” Ambrosio said. “That’s the first time we’ve had that re- quested since we’ve been doing it, and there’s five requests.” Florence Food Share provides food to those who are hungry in our community. If you have four hours a week available, we are in need of volunteers to staff our Front Desk and also act as Guides as cli- ents walk through the pantry. Please call our volunteer coordinator, Sarah Lovejoy, @ 541-997-9110 (Monday – Friday, before noon) to learn more about volunteering. info@lorencefoodshare.org 2190 Spruce Street. The women said they are already working on buying the undergarments, “but it’s okay if they get two bras,” Ambrosio said. “As a woman, you need it,” Crowder added. “When one’s in the wash, you have to have something to wear.” Despite the prevalence of ba- sic needs, Ambrosio is seeing some positive trends in what the kids are asking for. “I can tell by their wishes that the economy is better,” she said. “At this point, I haven’t found anyone that’s homeless, of which we’ve had whole fam- ilies. No flashlights or lanterns asked for this year. That tells me things are getting a little better. There’s kids asking for beds.” After so many years, Am- brosio can also tell when fads are changing, too, particular- ly when it comes to clothing where it appears the 1980s and ‘90s are popular again. “They’re going to high-waist jeans,” she said. “I think it’s be- cause of Taylor Swift, she wore them last year.” Volunteer Get involved ReStore processing volunteer needed to help with donation sorting process. For more information contact Floyd at 541-997-5834 JARED ANDERSON/SIUSLAW NEWS Twin Lakes Store owner Vicki Ambrosio (right) and employee Karen Crowder are excited to help the com- munity provide holiday gifts to 100 teenagers this year. about us. I thought we could get more money, so I’m aiming for 100. It’s crazy.” The reach now extends to any student residing in the Siu- slaw School District, including those who homeschool or at- tend alternative schools. The ages are 12 to 18, “but 18-year- olds have to be in school, oth- erwise I consider them adults,” said Ambrosio. So far, she’s gotten 60 wish lists from area teenagers, but has room for 40 more. As for how they pick the teenager, it’s done mostly through word of mouth. “We put fliers up, letting peo- ple know,” said Crowder. “I’ve talked to several businesses, let- ting them know it might benefit one of their employees, or they might know a family.” Ambrosio added, “There’s a lot of grandparents out there who are raising these kids. This program has been very helpful for them.” Buying or Selling? I can help. Donate Assisting those in need in our Community. Free Hot Meals Mon-Wed-Fri 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Do your part and HELPING HANDS COALITION to help support volunteer today New Location:Community Baptist Church 4590 Hwy. 101, Florence (Across from Fred Meyer) Call 541-997-5057 to Volunteer these local non-proft relies heavily on volunteers. Three of the kids asked for Birkenstocks this year, and then there’s the hoodies. “They’re all asking for hood- ies,” she said. “Hip hop hoodies. I had to Google what they were asking for on some of them. I knew Tupac, but XXXTenta- cion?” But most of the clothes re- quested aren’t specific: Shoes, pants, underwear. Again, the basics. As for more “traditional” wishes, it’s all about the scooters and electronics. “iPads, laptops, phones. It seems like everyone wanted some sort of electronic device,” Ambrosio said. Last year, there were only three requests for iPads, with Twin Lakes Store able to pay for them out of its own fundrais- ing. This year, Ambrosio may need a little more help from the community. One of the kids on their list pointed out that they usually need them for school. “A lot of teens this year put educational needs,” said Am- brosio. “All of them asked for pencils, backpacks, lunch box- es, books. Water bottles were on a lot of them.” The program is expanding its reach this year, more than dou- bling the number of teenagers to receive gifts from 40 to 100. “Last year each kid got a lot, and I’m thinking the money spent could have helped more kids,” Ambrosio said. With the newly opened liquor store at Twin Lakes, she added, “We’re busier and getting more cus- tomers and more people know Th ere are many opportunities to volunteer and a variety of skills and talents are always in need. Volunteer interest forms may be found online, at the shelter and at our Th rift Shop on Bay Street. organizations in 4836 Laguna Ave – Luxury lake living on near- ly 5 acres. This 4,000 sqft, 4 bdrm, 5 bath home has lake views with private dock. Remodeled in 2003 with hardwood fl oors, gourmet kitchen, high ceilings, and large master suite. Oversized 3 bay RV barn with shop and offi ce. $1,399,000. #2850- 18330278 Ed Kopilec Principal Broker 541 991-8630 1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200 For the first time, the pro- gram has a website so teenagers can sign up online at twinlakes. store. “I’ve only had one take ad- vantage of online, but I do have it and I hope more kids come in that way,” Ambrosio said. Because of the influx of stu- dents served, the giveaway par- ty is also being upgraded. Be- forehand, the event took place at Siuslaw Valley Fire and Res- cue’s (SVFR) Sutton Lake Fire Station. However, that station was too small for 60 plus kids, so this year they’re moving to SVFR’s Station 1 on Highway 101 on Thursday, Dec. 19. “They’re taking the fire trucks out and we’re doing it in the garage,” Ambrosio said. “They have 50 hooks for uni- forms that they’ll take town, and we’ll put two stockings per hook to get to 100 stockings, hung up with care.” Also new this year is a special viewing of presents for all those who donated. “Our community is ex- tremely generous, and this is no exception. A lot of people like to watch the kids open the presents, but I hate to put the kids as a spectacle,” Ambrosio said. “With 100 kids, if they each bring one adult, that’s 200 people in the station, which will max the space out. So I’m doing a viewing from 4-6 p.m., just before the party, so people can see what it looks like. That way they can see it and be a part of it.” To donate to the program, contact Ambrosio at 541-997- 3021 or stop by Twin Lakes Store at 88940 Highway 101. our community! www.oregoncoasthumanesociety.org/volunteer/ Memory Care Respite of Florence Your Memory Care Respite Center needs you! Seeking volunteers for our Coffee Club: Conversation & companionship in a caring setting while providing respite for caregivers. Contact us at memcarerespite@gmail.com HOLIDAY SPECIAL WAS $ 399 00 Join the Peace Harbor Hospital Volunteers. <RXZLOOÀQGDQDUHDRILQWHUHVW in a caring organization. Peace Harbor Volunteers 400 9th Street, Florence, OR 97439 541-997-8412 ext. 2218 Volunteer Get involved Donate Do your part and volunteer today to help support Meals on Wheels are available to people 1570 Kingwood • PO Box 2313, over the age of 60 who cannot get out much Florence due to illness or advanced age and who are not eating properly, regardless of income. Cafe 60 is available for those who prefer to laneseniormeals.org make new friends in a dining room setting. Operating Monday, Wednesday and Friday 541-997-5673 $150 SAVINGS non-proft in this directory, please call us @ 541-997-3441 M18 FUEL TM 2-TOOL COMBO KIT (2997-22) Includes: M18 FUEL TM 1/2” Hammer Drill/Driver (2804), (1) M18 Fuel TM 1/4” Hex Impact Driver (2853), (2) M18 Tm REDLITHIUM TM XC5.0 Extended Capacity Battery Packs, (1) M18 TM & M12 TM Multi-Voltage Charger, (2) Belt Clips, (2) Bit Holders, (1) Side Handle, and (1) Carrying Case. GET THIS BUY THIS $ FREE 599 FOLDING MITER SAW STAND (48-08-0551) M18 FUEL TM 10” Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (2734-21HD ) $ 239 Value $ 99 00 All Stores M18 TM Compact Brushless 1/2” Drill Open 7 Driver Kit (2801-21p) Days a Compact design: provides excellent balance and control, ideal for overhead applications or work Week. in tight spaces. Chuck type: 1/2 in. metal racheting single sleevce To include your organization our community! 249 00 Saving men one PSA test at a time. 541-997-6626 maribob@oregonfast.net Someone to talk to... who understands! these local organizations in $ NOW HOLIDAY SPECIALS ON ALL ACCESSORY KITS PRICED $ 14. 99 TO $ 64. 99 541-997-8474 3231 US Highway 101 FLORENCE, OR 541-563-3166 1205 US Highway 101 WALPORT, OR. 541-265-6640 345 Olive St NEWPORT, OR OFFERS VALID UNTIL DECEMBER 31ST, 2019 OR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. ALL ITEMS MAY NOT BE IN STOCK. PLEASE SEE COUNTER ASSOCIATE FOR DETAILS.