A community Thanksgiving dinner that has taken place for decades in Eugene’s Whiteaker neighborhood isn’t happening this year. But, others have stepped up to carry on the tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.
Beverly Farfan has coordinated the Whiteaker Community Dinner for 25 years. She said even before it was at the Whiteaker School, a group of friends got together in 1974 to put on a dinner. It became an annual party—with a meal, a free store, music, haircuts, and more.
“Everybody came together as one.” Farfan said. “And it didn’t matter if you had something or if you were homeless, or low-income, or in need, or you had money, or you just needed to be with somebody.”
Farfan said they decided it was time to end the dinner because of COVID-19, the loss of the LCC culinary department’s facilities, and her own need to care for her elderly mom. But, she said multiple organizations are offering food, clothing, and other services this year in and beyond the Whiteaker neighborhood and the Thanksgiving holiday.
These are some organizations that are providing meals and other services for Thankgiving and beyond in the Eugene / Springfield community:
Burrito Brigade
https://burritobrigade.org 541-556-5051
3 programs: Burrito Brigade, Little Free Pantries, Waste to Taste.
Food Not Bombs
eugenefoodnotbombs@gmail.com 530-521-4991
https://www.facebook.com/foodnotbombseugene
Serves meals Fridays at Park Blocks, 4pm.
Carry IT Forward
https://www.carryitforward.net
info@carryitforward.net 541-844-9311
525 State Hwy 99, Eugene, OR 97402
Distributes clothing, camping items, and more.
Community Supported Shelters
https://communitysupportedshelters.org
541-683-0836
Maintains Safe Spot / Rest Stop Communities
Runs the Reboot Station at 1845 W. 11th offering free showers and food.
Distributes clothing, camping gear, food. Help build shelters.
Nightingale Hosted Shelters
https://nightingaleshelters.org
Camp Manager: 541-870-5385
Rest Stop at 34th and Hillyard
Distributes clothing, camping gear, and food.
Hosea Youth Services
https://www.hoseayouth.org
541-344-5583
834 Monroe Street, Eugene
Offers youth a safe space including laundry, showers, and clothing.
Lane County Mutual Aid
https://lanemutualaid.org
distrohub@lanemutualaid.org
Message 541-690-8107
Support for vulnerable housed and unhoused neighbors.
Distro Hub or Neighborhood Pod.
White Bird Clinic
https://whitebirdclinic.org
541-342-8255
341 E 12th Ave
Offers counseling, clothing, camping gear, and more.
Meals On Wheels of Lane County
mowlane.org 541-682-3353
Provide smiles and meals to homebound neighbors.
Wildfire resources on White Bird’s Update and Community Resource Page
https://whitebirdclinic.org/holidayfarm
Copyright 2020 KLCC.
