COVID-19 has presented our community with many complex challenges, particularly among our vulnerable populations and essential workers. With so many experiencing uncertainty at once, we face an unprecedented need.
As the largest credit union in Oregon, OnPoint’s purpose is to build strong communities and support the places we call home. As we face COVID-19 together, our commitment is stronger than ever.
Tuesday, May 5, marks the world’s first #GivingTuesdayNow, a new global effort to “create a wave of generosity, citizen engagement, action from business and philanthropy, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world.” This new global day of giving and unity is in addition to the existing #GivingTuesday, which we celebrate each December.
OnPoint is proud to participate in #GivingTuesdayNow by supporting our nonprofit partners across the state. These organizations are working around the clock to ensure that our neighbors don’t have to worry about how they will get their next meal, our hospital workers feel supported during these challenging times and our communities have the support needed to get through this crisis.
$100,000 to Meals on Wheels People
We recently became the first corporate donor of Meals on Wheels People’s new $2 million COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Our $100,000 donation will help deliver thousands of additional meals to vulnerable seniors in the Portland-metro region. Some of our OnPoint employees are also volunteering at Meals on Wheels People as delivery drivers.
For 50 years, Meals on Wheels People has been meeting the social and nutritional needs of older adults in our community. The 5,600 annual volunteers serve delicious and nutritious meals at dozens of dining centers in Multnomah, Washington and Clark counties, as well as deliver Meals on Wheels meals and spend time with homebound elderly. Visit Meals on Wheels People online to support the COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
Feeding the Fearless
OnPoint also donated $5,000 to the GoFundMe fundraiser Feed the Fearless, which supports local restaurants by purchasing meals and delivering them to hospital workers, fire departments, and long-term care facilities from Vancouver, Washington, to Eugene, Oregon, and across the Portland-metro area. Since the campaign began in late March, Feed the Fearless has purchased meals from 44 different restaurants and delivered 3,842 meals to 22 hospitals, five fire departments, and two nursing facilities. Earlier this month, two OnPoint employees helped Feed the Fearless deliver 275 meals to OHSU. Visit Feed the Fearless to learn more about supporting local restaurants while feeding essential workers.
Regional Support
Across our region, we provided an additional $20,000 to these nonprofit partners focused on ensuring our neighbors have support through the COVID-19 crisis.
- FOOD for Lane County is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit food bank founded in 1984 and dedicated to reducing hunger by engaging the community to create access to food. FOOD for Lane County accomplishes this by providing emergency food boxes, shelters, meal sites, rehabilitation facilities, nutrition education, gleaning and community gardens. Visit FOOD for Lane County online to help ensure people have access to the food they need.
- Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP) was founded in 1980 as part of a nationwide network of social service agencies designed to help improve the lives of low-income people and strengthen communities. YCAP assists residents of Yamhill County with Client Services and Housing, Energy Services, the Regional Food Bank, and Youth Services. Visit YCAP online to learn more about improving the lives of low-income residents of Yamhill County.
- Council on Aging for Central Oregon helps connect older adults and their loved ones to information and services that support their changing needs as they age. Since 1975, the Council on Aging has provided answers, resources, and social connection opportunities to adults over the age of 60 and their loved ones. Visit the Council on Aging for Central Oregon online to provide our most vulnerable seniors, caregivers, and families with critical nutrition and support services.
How are you staying connected to your community through COVID-19? We encourage you to learn more about what these great organizations are doing to keep our neighbors supported through COVID-19 and how you can help build strong communities even while practicing social distancing.