For the past few years, Neighborhood Missions (NM) held its annual fundraiser
in the spring, but observant mountain residents may have noted its absence
this year. That’s because the organization, which provides assistance to area
residence in need of food, firewood and means to pay for utilities and more,
will now hold a Harvest Festival in the fall instead.

NM’s Chair, Steve Carlson, noted the move was in part due to a number of
similar fundraisers by other nonprofits in the spring. The Harvest Festival will
feature a craft sale, bake sale and silent auction, offering ample opportunities
for some early holiday shopping, plus an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“We are welcoming families to bring their kids, it might be an opportunity for
a picture they can use for Christmas greetings,” Carlson said.

The festival, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Lions Club, at
the corner of Woodsey Way and Hwy. 26 in Welches, will also offer a spaghetti
dinner at 4 p.m., featuring all the fixings, for $10 for adults, $4 for children
ages 4-12 and kids 3 and under are free. Beer and wine will also be available
for purchase. The silent auction will last throughout the afternoon, while Santa
and Mrs. Claus will be on hand from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Carlson noted the silent auction will include a variety of items, including
several gift certificates to area restaurants and other businesses, while a
number of people and groups will be on hand offering crafts, such as
Christmas tree ornaments and cloth pumpkins.

He added that the event is the organization’s sole fundraiser for the year.
Tickets are available at the door. For more information, call 503-564-9062.

Carlson also noted that NM’s first monthly free food market held in September
was a big success, with approximately 50 households (totaling 105 people)
served. The market, part of a partnership with the Oregon Food Bank (OFB),
is held from 9-10 a.m. on the last Monday of each month in the parking lot
behind the Hoodland Senior Center, 65000 Hwy. 26 in Welches. The next two
markets will be Nov. 26 and Dec. 31.

OFB will bring food to the location, including dry goods and in-season
produce, and it will be available to everyone, as there are no criteria or
prerequisites to qualify. Participants will only be asked for their zip code and
the number of people in their household, and they are encouraged to bring
bags or boxes.