CONTACT: Judy Alley, Executive Director

SnowCap Community Charities

503-805-8183 (cell), 503-674-8785 (off)

judy@snowcap.org

SNOWCAP FACES URGENT NEED FOR FOOD, CLOTHING FUNDING

GRESHAM--SnowCap Community Charities is running up the distress signal. "We have cut the size of our food boxes at the neediest time of the year," says SnowCap Executive Director Judy Alley. "Increased demand and reduced food donations have almost emptied our warehouse."

The agency needs donations of food or cash to restock its pantry, Alley adds. SnowCap is a philanthropic organization created to provide food, clothing, advocacy and other services to the poor in much of east Portland, including Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale and Wood Village. SnowCap regularly provides more than 300 food baskets a week to low-income families and individuals as well as many house-bound seniors. SnowCap food boxes provide three-five days of nutrition.

"Right now we simply don't have enough food on hand to meet that demand," she says.Cash donations are needed to enable the agency to purchase fruits and vegetables essential to a healthy diet. Usually, SnowCap is able to access food from the Oregon Food Bank (OFB) at minimal cost, but their donations are also down.

"With OFB deliveries down we will have to turn to higher priced food sources,” says Alley. SnowCap also issued an appeal for warm winter clothing, especially blankets. "Blankets warm many a cold room this time of year." she says.

Food and clothing donations should be delivered to the SnowCap warehouse door at 17788 SE Pine Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or contact SnowCap at 503-674-8785 (ext. 17) or email dolores@snowcap.org.

--SnowCap--

Additional media information:

Doug Porter

DOUG PORTER & ASSOCIATES

503-294-9795

dougdom@hotmail.com