Volunteers for baking, cleaning and other tasks would help

By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news

Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice is seeking those who are willing and able to offer the little things that make a holiday meal special for its eighth annual Peace Meal holiday dinner. 

“We are going to create a spectacular party at the Presbyterian church, one that makes that whole building feel like home,” wrote Vanessa Houk, a volunteer with Jobs with Justice. 

From 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, the church will be alive with gifts, food, cookies and community connection for anyone in need. Volunteers are needed throughout the day to bake cookies, make dinner, serve and clean up. Houk wrote she hopes to have enough boxes of baked things for everyone to take home and gifts for all guests. Drivers are also requested for those who may need help with transportation for the dinner. 

Houk also requested donations of gift cards of $10 or more for local coffee shops and restaurants for the holidays and the remaining winter months. 

“One of the things that we’ve identified as an ongoing need for our brothers and sisters who are living outside is that there aren’t enough places where they can get inside for a little while. … These gifts are handed out to our most vulnerable friends and neighbors and it buys them a meal and an hour of warmth on the coldest days. It buys hope,” Houk wrote. 

To volunteer for the dinner, visit the Jobs with Justice signup page by clicking here. Donations to Jobs with Justice can be dropped off in the can next to the door at Pony Espresso, or during Peace Meals held at the Lithia Park gazebo or near the bandshell from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. 

Donations can also be sent to 258 A Street #1-220, Ashland OR 97520. 

Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at [email protected].