It has been estimated that babies use between six and ten diapers per day, or about 2,800 diapers, during their first year. Families with financial challenges face not only the cost of diapers but also all the other expenses associated with a newborn.
To help low-income families in need, the Rotary E-Club of the Willamette Valley/South Salem Rotary Foundation is hosting a collection event called the “Community Baby Shower.” Gifts or financial donations will be accepted on Sat., May 4, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Willamette Vital Health Memory Garden at 1015 Third St. NW, Salem, OR 97304.
The Rotary Club hopes to collect items primarily for newborns, especially diapers and new or handmade clothes, blankets, and quilts. The Department of Human Services (DHS) and other agencies working with parents and children will distribute these items to low-income families and parents in crisis.
Event coordinator and Rotarian Marcy Crenshaw said, “These donations make a difference to those in need throughout our community. The families deeply appreciate the items they receive. It touches their hearts that strangers cared enough to give them items for their babies.”
Donations via credit/debit or PayPal are accepted on the club website at rotaryeclubwillamettevalley.org. Checks can be mailed and payable to South Salem Rotary Foundation, c/o Marcy Crenshaw, 1537 Meadowlark Dr. SE, Stayton, OR 97383. Items can also be purchased from the Amazon Wishlist by searching for Rotary Club Baby Shower Wishlist. For more information, contact Marcy Crenshaw at (503) 507-4770
The Eclub of the Willamette Valley meets each Tuesday on Zoom. For membership information or to visit as a guest, visit https://www.rotaryeclubwillamettevalley.org.
The Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel officially transferred the Queen of Angels Monastery in Mt. Angel, Oregon, to Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast (CCS) on March 20.
At this historic transfer ceremony, held in the monastery chapel and Agatha Hall, CCS staff, the sisters, friends, family members, and supporters gathered to pray, celebrate, and share stories of the important role the sisters and their monastery have played in the lives of those present and in the broader community.
The ceremony included a symbolic transfer of items representing the sisters’ legacy and a blessing for the CCS staff, board members, and volunteers who will sustain that legacy.
“The Benedictine Sisters have owned the historic monastery and grounds of Queen of Angels Monastery since 1887 when they purchased the property from Mount Angel Abbey. Now they entrust the mission and use to Catholic Community Services,” said Sister Jane Hibbard, Pastoral Administrator of the Benedictine Sisters. “The sisters look forward to seeing what develops and promise to pray daily for what will emerge for the future use of the buildings and property. They are deeply grateful for the partnership with and commitment of CCS to the people of Mount Angel, Marion County, and beyond, as well as to the people who continue to support the Benedictine Sisters,” she said.
The monastery, dedicated in 1888, has been the home of the Benedictine Sisters. They are credited with an impressive number of endeavors, including the Shalom at the Monastery retreat ministry, the Benedictine Nursing Center, and St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict.
In 2017, the sisters transferred day-to-day operations of the St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict, ministries which they founded in 1988, to Catholic Community Services. The sisters are now living next door at the Orchard House, an assisted living facility of Providence Benedictine Nursing Center in Mt. Angel. They maintain their administrative offices in the monastery, where they host retreats and continue to help guide and sustain St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict.
“We are honored and humbled by the confidence the sisters have placed in us, and we look forward to our continued partnership to sustain the ministries they founded and to preserve the monastery as a place of hope and healing,” said CCS Chief Executive Officer Josh Graves.
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About the Benedictine Sisters and the Queen of Angels Monastery
The Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel are a Catholic religious community established in Oregon in 1882. Queen of Angels Monastery, the sisters’ historic home, dates to 1887. The sisters’ major ministries are hospitality, prayer, service to the local community, and Shalom at the Monastery retreats. At present, the Benedictine Sisters have 17 professed members and 80 oblates.
About Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast
Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast is a non-profit, faith-based organization. Founded in Salem in 1938, today, CCS offers nine programs across 10 Oregon counties and serves more than 5,500 people each year. They operate with fidelity to the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which call them to work for the common good and to serve their neighbors who are the poorest and most vulnerable. CCS envisions a caring, resilient community full of hope and connection where all people flourish.
Salem's Capitol Auto Group (CAG) employee campaign raised an astounding $402,000 for the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley (UWMWV).
On March 15, Capitol's three dealerships (Subaru, Chevrolet/Cadillac, and Toyota) welcomed Jim Cooper, President and CEO at United Ways of the Pacific Northwest & Olympia, along with Salem United Way leaders, to celebrate this accomplishment. The company has raised over $2.5 million for the charity in the last ten years and $1.12 million in just the last three years alone.
"We aimed to raise $400,000, and this year's campaign raised $402,000. This is $17,000 more than the 2023 campaign," said Marketing Director Carrie Casebeer. "Of our 400 employees, 81% participated, and 93 donated over $2,200 each. This campaign represents United Way's largest fundraising effort for a private company in Polk, Marion, and Yamhill Counties," she added. "At Capitol, we not only cultivate a workforce of exceptional talent, but we also take immense pride in nurturing the philanthropic spirit within our employees. We firmly believe that by empowering individuals to give back to their communities, we're not just building a successful company, but a brighter, more compassionate world."
Rhonda Wolf, the CEO of the UWMWV, simply said, "You know, this record-breaking campaign from Capitol Auto speaks volumes about their heart. It's not just about business for them; it's about genuinely caring for their community, neighbors, and friends. They're showing true leadership by prioritizing initiatives that make a real impact on people's lives. It's inspiring to see them go above and beyond to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive."
The 2024 campaign "29 Days of Love" theme was "Year of the Dragon." Fundraising activities included an eating contest, a silent auction, cornhole tournaments, and staff luncheons to raise campaign dollars.
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About Capitol Auto Group: Capitol Auto Group has served the Greater Salem area for 96 years. They feature three dealerships in Salem: Capitol Toyota 783 Auto Group Ave. NE; Capitol Subaru, 920 Auto Group Ave.; and Capitol Chevrolet/Cadillac, 2855 Maple Ave. NE. Capitol Collision Center is located at 2815 Silverton Rd NE. Automotive News has recognized the company and its dealerships multiple times as a Top 100 Companies to Work For. www.CapitolAuto.com 1-800-888-1391.