Carol Norgard, one of the organizers of the yearly Hoodland Community
Christmas Basket Program, notes that the need for food and other necessities
on the Mountain this year may be more than ever, citing how the increased
prices of gas and food have made things challenging.

“(They’re) the two things that people need,” Norgard said. “Their money is not
getting as far.”

That’s where the baskets come in, offering help to those who need it,
including food, personal hygiene items and gifts for children up to 18 years old
during the holiday season. Applications for the baskets were expected to be
available in late October and to be returned by Monday, Dec. 5.

Organizers estimated that there could be up to 150 families applying for
baskets this year.

For those who can help, donations including canned food, hair brushes, tooth
brushes, tooth paste, hand soap and shampoo, as well as age appropriate
gifts for the children are needed (giving trees at various locations will have
tags that include a child’s age and present wish). Canned food should have an
expiration date of 2023 and later.

Norgard noted that when it comes to what items are most needed, every year
is different, while the organizers typically buy a good amount of spaghetti
sauce and cereal. Two items that she enjoys giving the most are cranberry
sauce and olives.

“It’s one of those Christmassy things,” she said.

The program began in 1987 and serves approximately 400 people a year in
the community, including areas from Cherryville through Government Camp.
Baskets will be available to be picked up on Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday,
Dec. 17 at the Mt. Hood Lions Club building, 24730 E. Woodsey Way in
Welches.

In addition to donations, volunteers are also needed, included people to help
organize the boxes between Wednesday, Dec. 14 and Saturday, Dec. 17. A
signup sheet for volunteer help is expected to be posted on www.signup.com
soon.

Monetary donations may also be made to: Hoodland Community Christmas
Baskets, PO Box 74, Welches 97067.

Applications can be returned to: Welches Mountain Building Supply*, 67250
Hwy. 26; Clackamas County Bank*, 67403 Hwy. 26; Hoodland Library, 24525
Welches Road; Welches Schools*, 24901 Salmon River Road; Smoke on the
Mountain, 23860 Arrah Wanna Blvd.; Welches Liquor Store* in the Hoodland
Shopping Center, 68254 Hwy. 26; Coffee House 26*, 67211 Hwy. 26; or
Hoodland Fire District’s main station, 69634 Hwy. 26.
* denotes locations as also have giving trees.

Dollar General, 24888 E. Salmon River Road, has a giving tree, while the
library has a giving tree for scarves, mittens and hats. Any location that has a
tree can also receive toy and food donations.

Additional barrels for food and toy donations are located at the Brightwood
Store, 63065 Brightwood Bridge Road; Govy General Store, 30521 E. Meldrum
Street in Government Camp; Skyway Bar and Grill, 71545 Hwy. 26; and
Coffee Brewsters and the Hoodland Thriftway, both in the Hoodland Shopping
Center.

For more information, call Carol Norgard at 503-622-3256.