Giving back to the community in dozens of ways, including Christmas dinner for those in need

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Wednesday, November 30th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

LA GRANDE – Spreading kindness is a big job, but that is exactly the thought process behind Community Kindness of Eastern Oregon. This locally operated, non-profit thrift store not only provides clean, affordable items for shoppers, but store profits also go right back into the community in which they serve.

None of the profits from the store go to shareholders or into an owner’s pockets and workers in the store are individuals who volunteer their time. This piece of information is very important to Liz and Grant Meyer who started Community Kindness of Eastern Oregon in 2019. It is important to them that citizens know how donations of money, time and goods are helping the community.

Here are a few of the local programs that Community Kindness of Eastern Oregon is involved in.

They provide fidget blankets, memory dolls, cuddle dogs & cats for patients within these care facilities and to many other individuals in our community with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Here are some of the locations that they work with:

•Wildflower Lodge

•Grande Ronde Hospital Home Services

Greenwood Elementary School

Greenwood PTS

•Donated money to pay for the 2022 5th Grade Barbecue

La Grande Middle School

La Grande High School

Youth In Transition

Haven From Hunger

Eastern Oregon LGBTQ+ Coalition

Literacy Program through the La Grande Cook Memorial Library

They provide inexpensive quality goods to in-need individuals and families through the thrift store.

Oxford House

Autism Society of Oregon

Easterseals Goodwill

Union County Adult Treatment Court Alumni Association

Union County Adult Treatment Court

Twiddle Pup program which provides developmental toys for autistic children.

Animals in Need through Valley Veterinary

Parole & Probation

DHS

CHD

EOU

And more…

Another way that Community Kindness of Eastern Oregon helps the community is by offering a free Christmas Lunch. This event is for those who find themselves alone, either the homeless, elderly, without family (young or old) or those in an unwelcoming environment.

Space is limited for this complimentary meal, so to attend this event call the store to sign up & receive your free ticket, this will also allow them to know how many people will be attending

Lunch will be held at the Presbyterian Friendship Center in La Grande on Christmas Day from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.

For more information, please visit the store at 1315 Adams Ave in La Grande and speak with Liz & Grant Meyer. Anyone who is interested in donating food items, or monetarily can also contact Liz or Grant.

Learn more about the many ways to be involved with Community Kindness of Eastern Oregon or how the non-profit is involved in the community at https://ckthriftstore.com/