The community has stepped up to help after a fire destroyed the Eugene Mission’s kitchen last week. Saturday’s Food Truck Festival fundraiser brought in $45-thousand .
The fundraiser was planned long before an accidental fire gutted the Mission’s kitchen early Thursday morning. Executive Director Jack Tripp says he was amazed by the turnout of about 15 thousand people Saturday. He says there’s been a huge response from the public after the fire.
Tripp: “Part of the blessing of this is not only the outpouring of love from the community but also from our guests. This is a population of folks that have various mental health issues and addiction issues and let me tell you something, these folks rallied behind this.”
The mission serves about 750 meals a day to all comers. An outdoor kitchen is getting set up. Tripp expects it to take 3 months to rebuild the burnt kitchen. He estimates the cost to be at least 200 thousand dollars more than what insurance covers.
For people who want to support the Eugene Mission throughout its kitchen renovation, here is a list of needed items:
· Catered meals, bulk lasagnas, pizzas, gramma’s casserole
· Canned meats
· Hamburger patties
· Hot dogs
· Canned fruit
· Frozen hash browns
· Bacon/sausage
· Cottage cheese
· Biscuit cans/frozen biscuits.
· Cup-o-noodles/Top Ramen
· Large canned soups
· Butter
· Cooking Oil
· Coffee
· Sugar packets
· Coffee cups
· Paper plates
· Water bottles
· Commercial dining tables (cafeteria style)
· Large coffee brewer (100 cups+)
· Large drink dispensers
· Large trash cans
Items should be delivered from 8 am to 5 pm to the Eugene Mission at 1542 W. 1st Ave, Eugene, OR. 97402. Cash donations may be delivered to the Mission or may be made online at www.eugenemission.org. To arrange to bring a catered meal or to volunteer at the Eugene Mission, please contact Tabitha Eck, Community Engagement Manager, at Volunteer@EugeneMission.org or 541.344.3251 x 160
