COMMUNITY
A4 • HERMISTONHERALD.COM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018
Campaign wraps up Christmas spirit
By TAMMY MALGESINI
Community Editor
For people who are
already tired of the hustle
and bustle of the holiday
season, help is available.
As part of its “I Love
My City” campaign, mem-
bers of the Hermiston
Assembly of God Church
will wrap presents free of
charge. There are no strings
attached, said Rev. Terry
Haight, the church’s senior
pastor.
In its third Christmas sea-
son of offering the free ser-
vice, Haight said people can
bring their gifts down and
have them wrapped. A num-
ber of wrapping stations
will be set up Saturday from
1-3 p.m. at Walmart, 1350
N. First St., Hermiston. The
tables will be located out-
side between the store’s
main entrances.
In addition, Haight said
people can enjoy hot choc-
olate and cookies. The
church, he said, is not
accepting donations for the
effort.
The Assembly of God
Church started the “I Love
My City” campaign in 2016
as a way to foster healing
after the community was
impacted by several trage-
dies. They have been joined
by other congregations and
STAFF PHOTO BY TAMMY MALGESINI
Thad Marti and Joey Munkers, Irrigon Fire Protection
District volunteers, load gifts that were wrapped
for free during a 2017 “I Love My City” project by the
Hermiston Assembly of God Church. This year’s free
event is Saturday at Walmart in Hermiston.
continue to perform service
projects and activities sev-
eral times a year.
“We’re doing it to be a
blessing and to serve our
city,” Haight said. “We’ve
had people offer money but
we say no. And we haven’t
accepted anything like that.”
During
the
colder
months, Haight said it’s
not really practical to do
clean-up efforts or other
outdoor
projects.
The
gift-wrapping effort, he
said, is a great way to reach
out to help others during the
busy holiday season.
People are welcome to
bring items from home or
they can shop at the store
and get them wrapped on
their way out. Last year,
Haight estimates they served
are needed. Donations are
tax-deductible.
A nonprofit organization,
Domestic Violence Ser-
vices has served Umatilla
and Morrow counties for
more than 40 years. In addi-
tion to shelters in Hermiston
and Pendleton, it maintains
a 24-hour crisis line (800-
833-1161), provides safety
planning, life skills classes,
support groups and other
advocacy activities for vic-
tims of domestic violence or
sexual assault.
For more information,
contact 541-276-3322, vol-
unteer@dvs-or.org or visit
www.dvs-or.org.
the annual Christmas dinner
of the Columbia Grange.
The free event is Sun-
day at noon at the grange
hall, 32339 Diagonal Blvd.,
Hermiston. The Grange
will provide the main meal.
Those attending are asked
to bring salads or desserts
to share.
In addition to the meal,
there will be donations
to several local charities.
For more information, call
Doris at 541-567-8663 or
Diane at 541-567-5922.
approximately 70 families.
“We’ve had people
bring anywhere from two
or three gifts to a whole
Walmart cartful,” he said.
“We don’t put a limit on it.
And it doesn’t matter where
the gifts come from, we’re
going to wrap them.”
One man, Haight said,
was extremely grateful to
have 70 presents wrapped
last year. Also, after a group
of Irrigon Fire Protection
District volunteers pitched
in to buy Christmas pres-
ents for a young man in the
community, firefighter Joey
Munkers and Lt. Thad Marti
went shopping at Walmart.
The duo was thrilled to exit
the store and find the free
gift-wrapping service.
The goal of the effort,
Haight said, is to serve the
community. He stressed that
the project isn’t designed to
“preach at” people.
“If someone is in need of
prayer as the gifts are being
wrapped, we offer prayer
and encouragement,” he
said. “That kind of conver-
sation only comes up organ-
ically if they bring up a need
beyond their gifts.”
The church purchases
needed
supplies
from
Walmart to provide the
service. Wrapping paper,
bows and name tags are all
included.
BRIEFS
Altrusa heads up
warming station
supply drive
Altrusa International of
Hermiston has volunteered
to help coordinate a sup-
ply drive for the Hermiston
Warming Station.
People are encouraged
to place items in collec-
tion boxes through Janu-
ary. Collection sites include
Shipping Solutions, Dance
Unlimited, Old West Fed-
eral Credit Union, Banner
Bank and the Hermiston
Chamber of Commerce. In
addition, donations can be
dropped off at the Herm-
iston Warming Station
Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m.
and
Saturdays
from
1-3 p.m. at 1075 S. High-
way 395. People are asked
to drive around back and
leave donations with a vol-
unteer. Call 541-289-2150
to arrange another time.
Needed items include
household cleaning and
paper products, beverages,
laundry and dishwashing
soap, foot powder, socks,
hand/foot warmers. For
a complete list, call the
warming station or search
Facebook.
Also, checks can be
mailed to Hermiston Warm-
ing Station, P.O. Box 433,
Hermiston, OR 97838.
Domestic Violence
Services shares
wish list
Domestic violence and
sexual abuse don’t take a
break during the holiday
season.
Domestic Violence Ser-
vices maintains a “Wish
List” on its website for cur-
rent needs. In addition to
financial donations, a vari-
ety of household, personal
hygiene and clothing items
Health district
hosts donation
drive
Families in need in Mor-
row County can benefit
from donations collected
through the Morrow County
Health District.
The hospital as well as
clinic, home health and
Murray’s Drug locations
are accepting items during
the donation drive. Every-
thing from non-perishable
food items, new or gently
used clothing and blankets
to personal care and house-
hold items, board games,
and school and art supplies
are being accepted. In addi-
tion, used electronics and
cell phones that work can
be donated.
Ask for a raffle ticket
when dropping off dona-
tions for a chance to win
a gift basket, coffee shop
gift card and more. For
more information, call
541-676-2930.
Columbia Grange
cooks up Christmas
dinner
Wheatland accepts
food donations
A
contest
between
Wheatland Insurance loca-
tions throughout the region
will benefit local people in
need.
They are holding a
non-perishable food drive
as a competition between
each office. The food col-
lected will be donated to
local food banks for distri-
bution. People are invited
to drop off donations during
regular business hours by
Thursday, Dec. 20. An
office is located at 455 E.
Main St., in Hermiston.
For more information,
call 1-800-243-8918 or to
find other Wheatland Insur-
ance locations, visit www.
wheatlandins.com.
Umatilla Co.
economic
development
grants available
The
Umatilla
County
Community & Economic
Development
is
seek-
ing applicants for its small
grants program.
Eligible businesses and
nonprofit groups that oper-
ate in Umatilla County are
eligible to apply. The next
quarterly grant application
must be submitted by Dec.
19 at 5 p.m. For more infor-
mation or to obtain a grant
application, visit http://
umatillacounty.net/BCC/
grants.html.
Submit applications to
Gail Nelson, Economic
Development, 216 S.E.
Fourth St., Pendleton, OR
97801 or email to gail.nel-
son@umatillacounty.net.
For
more
informa-
tion, contact Rosenberg at
juner1942@gmail.com.
Basket raffle
benefits foster kids
A handful of themed bas-
kets are being raffled off as
a fundraiser for the Foster
Child Welfare Fund.
Tickets, which are $1
each, are available from
certifiers at local Depart-
ment of Human Services
offices. Money raised will
help local foster children.
The drawing will be held
Thursday, Dec. 20 and the
baskets will be delivered to
the winners.
The baskets include
everything from board
games and treats to house-
hold items and gift certifi-
cates. The themes include
cars, movie, coffee, prin-
cess party and winter.
For more information,
call Marvin at 541-564-4484
or Irma at 541-564-4493.
Your Family Deserves The
BEST
Technology...
Value...
TV!...
• Watch and record 16 shows at once
• Get built-in Netflix and YouTube
• Watch TV on your mobile devices
Hopper upgrade fee $5/mo.
14 . 95
$
190 Channels
Subject to availability. Restrictions apply.
Internet not provided by DISH and will be billed separately.
1-866-373-9175
Offer ends 11/14/18. Savings with 2 year price guarantee with AT120 starting at $59.99 compared to everyday price. All offers require credit qualification, 2 year commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. Prices include Hopper Duo for qualifying customers.
Hopper, Hopper w/ Sling or Hopper 3 $5/mo. more. Upfront fees may apply based on credit qualification. Fees apply for additional TVs: Hopper $15/mo., Joey $5/mo., Super Joey $10/mo. All new customers are subject to a one-time, nonrefundable processing fee.
CONCEALED CARRY
PERMIT
CLASS
Valid in Washington
541-966-1850
Pendleton, OR I-84 - Exit 216
The biblical story
depicting the birth of Jesus
is featured during the Liv-
ing Nativity this weekend
in Hermiston.
In its 26th year, the
First United Method-
ist Church is present-
ing the free event as a
way to celebrate the birth
of Christ. The presenta-
tion is available Saturday
from 6-8 p.m. and Sun-
day from 4-6 p.m. The
church is located at 191 E.
Gladys Ave., Hermiston.
After viewing the scenes,
people are invited inside
the church’s fellowship
hall for warm drinks and
cookies.
“People really look for-
ward to it,” said Becky
Hunt, who has helped
coordinate the effort
for more than 10 years.
“There are some people
who don’t know the story
of Jesus’ birth.”
About 50 participants
are involved in the pro-
duction between the two
nights, Hunt said. It fea-
tures a handful of scenes,
including those represent-
Hospice lights up holiday season
The community is
invited to support Vange
John Memorial Hospice
during the holiday season.
People are invited to
make a suggested donation
of $15 to honor someone or
in memory of a loved one
or friend. A symbolic light
and ornament will be illu-
minated in the window dis-
play area provided by Vic-
tory Baptist Church at 193
E. Main St., Hermiston.
A special Light Up A
Life reading will include
the names submitted. It
will broadcast Sunday, Jan.
6 at 6 p.m. on KOHU 1360
AM.
To Light Up A Life, pro-
vide the person’s name the
donation is honoring and
mail a $15 check to Vange
John Memorial Hospice,
645 W. Orchard Ave., Suite
500, Hermiston, OR 97838.
For more information or to
receive a donation form,
call 541-667-3543.
The Family Gourmet Feast
2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons
2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins
4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.)
2 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops
4 (3 oz.) Kielbasa Sausages
4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers
Plus, 4 more
4 (3 oz.) Potatoes au Gratin
Burgers
4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets
FREE
OS Seasoning Packet
shown over
55586LDF | $199.91* separately *Savings
aggregated single
Combo Price $ 49 99
Call 1-877-717-9688 ask for 55586LDF
www.OmahaSteaks.com/cook31
Out-of-market games only. Selec
Iv Support Holdings
t int’l games excluded.
1-855-502-2578
Renews at full price. Offer ends 11/30/18. New approved customers only, lease required. Hardware and programming available separately. Other conditions apply. NFL, the NFL Shield design and the
NFL SUNDAY TICKET name and logo are registered trademarks of the NFL and its affiliates. ©2018 AT&T Intellectual Property. All Rights Reserved. AT&T, Globe logo, DIRECTV, and all other DIRECTV
marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Imagine The Difference You Can Make
DONATE YOUR CAR
1-844-533-9173
FREE TOWING
TAX DEDUCTIBLE
Help Prevent Blindness
Get A Vision Screening Annually
Ask About A FREE 3 Day
Vacation Voucher To Over
20 Destinations!!!
Special Offer SAVE 20%
Best Western
2255 S Hwy 395, Hermiston
$80 multi-State, OR included no-fee. $45 Oregon-only
Required class to get an Oregon or multi-State
Required class to get an Oregon or multi-State
permit. Class includes:
• Fingerprinting & photo
• Oregon gun laws
• Washington gun laws
• Interstate travel laws
• Interaction with law enforcement
• Use of deadly force
• Firearm / ammunition / holster selection
360.921.2071
item base price.
Limit 2 pkgs. Free gifts must ship with #55586. Standard S&H will be
added. Expires 2/28/19. ©2018 OCG | 18M1531 | Omaha Steaks, Inc.
D ECEMBER 18 TH • 6 PM
5 Theater Cineplex
Credit & Debit Cards
accepted
Cineplex gift cards
available
ing the angels and shep-
herds, the wise men and
camels, Joseph and Mary
at the inn and a manger
scene where baby Jesus is
born.
Portraying characters
from the biblical story
include children as young
as 5 all the way up to octo-
genarians, Hunt said. In
addition, live animals fea-
tured are sheep, chickens
and a donkey.
“I have people that
return to do this each
year that don’t attend our
church,” she said. “It is a
tradition for them.”
Among those returning
to participate in the Living
Nativity is Hunt’s daugh-
ter, Miranda, who is now
attending graduate school
in Colorado. A 2007
Hermiston High School
graduate, the younger
Hunt grew up participat-
ing with her family in the
annual event.
“It’s a real fellowship
and bonding time for our
church members,” Hunt
said. “It’s a lot of fun and
people really look forward
to it.”
For more information,
call Hunt at 541-314-5797.
By TAMMY MALGESINI
Community Editor
Add High Speed Internet
The public is invited to
CALL TODAY
Save 20%!
$5 Matinee Classics
Every Wednesday
Living Nativity shares
biblical story of Christmas
Ask me how to Bundle and save. CALL TODAY!
Upgrade to the Hopper® 3
Smart HD DVR
/mo.
Check
wildhorseresort.com
for showtimes
FILE PHOTO
A Living Nativity will be held Saturday and Sunday at
the First United Methodist Church in Hermiston.
FirearmTrainingNW.com : FirearmTrainingNW@gmail.com
SPECIAL OFFER!
ONLY
$23 99
*
Order Now and SAVE 20% Only $23.99* (reg. $29.95),
plus $8.50 shipping & handling per item.
Visit CrownMapleSpecial.com to order item SC-101-DA_Ea
Use Promo Code CROWN110 Order by Dec. 14, 2018 for Christmas delivery.
Offer ends December 31, 2018 or while supplies last