EUGENE, Ore. – In an effort to assist the local homeless population, Lane County Health and Human Services, alongside First Christian Church, hosted a donation drive on March 21 in downtown Eugene. The event, part of Operation ‘Fill the Stockpile,’ aimed to collect essential items to help unhoused individuals stay safe and warm during the colder months.
From 1 to 5 p.m., community members dropped off a variety of donations, including tents, tarps, blankets, sleeping bags, rain ponchos, flashlights, hand sanitizer, and warm clothing. The church’s co-pastor, Zane Ridings, emphasized the importance of this event, noting that local clothing ministries were in urgent need of supplies. “Both the ones here at the church, of which we have three total, and our neighbor and colleague agencies—everybody is low,” Ridings explained.
The donation drive serves as a critical way for the community to show support for those in need. Ridings stressed that, while cold-weather gear is the primary focus at the moment, there will be a shift in focus as the weather warms up. “As the weather changes, we’ll be seeking items for the summer, such as water bottles and t-shirts,” he said.
The stockpile and associated ministries are not only essential for survival but also help foster a sense of dignity and care for those living on the streets. “This stockpile and the ministries and organizations it services are necessary for the people who are still on the street to feel like somebody cares,” Ridings added. “They are participating in not only their survival but their thriving.”
Starting March 26, donations will be accepted at First Christian Church Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those unable to attend the event. Additionally, an Amazon Wish List has been set up online, allowing items to be shipped directly to the church at 1166 Oak St., Eugene, OR 97401.
This drive serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of community support and the ongoing needs of unhoused individuals in Eugene.
