For the Thorns’ next home match on May 21st, the Riveters’ Match Day Drive will be to support the YWCA of Greater Portland and Impact NW. These organizations are already partners and are working together to help those in need in our community by providing a safe place for individuals and families to turn to when in need. They are not just an immediate resource, but also strive to create lasting opportunities for those they help.

The YWCA is a national organization with local chapters that are focused on improving their communities. YWCA of Greater Portland has been working in the local community for over 100 years. Today, the YWCA works closely with other organizations to help educate about oppression and create opportunities in our community for equality. 

The YWCA of Greater Portland’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Impact NW is a local organization that has been helping low-income Portland residents since 1966. Today, they have services available in Multnomah, Clark, Washington and Clackamas Counties and parts of Washington state. They strive to provide support to individuals and families in both the short term and the long term so everyone has a chance to achieve their goals.

By working with schools, businesses, faith communities, other community-based organizations and governmental agencies we create a safety net and springboard for community members to improve their quality of life and achieve independence.

Both organizations are offering immediate assistance to those in our community who are either homeless or in transition, and often those they are helping do not have access to food prep stations. When we offered our support, their ask was very simple: help them fill their pantry.

This weekend, please bring non-perishable pantry items to the Fanladen (1633 SW Alder St) before you head into the stadium. The individuals and families these organizations are helping may not have access to a safe home to go and cook in, so if your item requires cooking, please make it microwavable and easy to open. Often those seeking help are in need of very substantial foods, like peanut butter or tuna. Below is a complete list of the items we are looking to collect:

• Oatmeal (packets)
• Peanut butter (jars and single-serve cups)
• Cereals (single-serve packages)
• Pop-Tarts
• Noodles and pasta (canned with pop-up lids, cups, or microwavable bags)
• Rice dishes (cups, microwavable bags)
• Mac & cheese (regular boxed and microwavable)
• Fruit cups
• Fruit leather
• Granola/trail bars
• Crackers
• Rice cakes (Quaker)
• Assorted nuts (single-serve packages)
• Juice box packs
• Canned goods (pop-up lids are best, please) – Soup, vegetables, tuna, chili

The Fanladen will be open on Saturday from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm, so there should be plenty of time to get your donations in. Let’s help these organizations continue to provide services to our community!

***UPDATE***

The Fanladen will also be open on Sunday from 10am to 1pm before the Timbers match. You can drop off your donations then as well.