Feeding the Community: Libraries Unite to Combat Hunger in South Douglas County

This fall, libraries in South Douglas County are banding together to tackle a pressing issue within their community - hunger. Through a coordinated food drive, these institutions are rallying to gather non-perishable items that will provide much-needed assistance to families in need, particularly as the colder months approach and the holiday season draws near.

Empowering the Community, One Donation at a Time

Addressing a Visible Need

Library staff in the region have observed a growing demand for food support within their communities. As the colder weather sets in and the holiday season approaches, the need for assistance becomes even more pronounced. "What we see in our libraries is a lot of people struggling and people who just need a little bit of help during the holiday seasons," explains Linda Grace, Program Manager at Canyonville Community Library. "We thought we could do our part to help them with food during this time."

Collaborative Efforts, Collective Impact

The food drive is a joint initiative involving several local libraries, including the Yoncalla Public Library and the Riddle City Library. These institutions have come together to collectively gather over 600 pounds of non-perishable food items for the South Douglas Food Bank, which serves approximately 300 families each month in the area.

Extending the Library's Reach

The collaboration between these libraries extends the scope of their services beyond traditional offerings. "Libraries feed people's need for information, but that's not people's only need," says Katie Duxton, Riddle Library Director. "The food bank fills another need – a very basic need for food – and so we think that's just a wonderful extension of what public libraries should be."

Fostering Community Engagement

The food drive has become an opportunity for the libraries to deepen their connection with the community they serve. "Taking part in helping out their community holds a special place for the team," as they witness the tangible impact of their efforts. Visitors to the participating libraries can contribute by dropping off non-perishable items in the designated collection barrels, which will then be transported to the South Douglas Food Bank.

Sustaining the Effort

The food drive kicked off last week and will run until December 15th, providing ample time for the community to come together and support the initiative. By extending the duration of the drive, the libraries aim to maximize the impact and ensure that the South Douglas Food Bank is well-stocked to meet the needs of local families throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Empowering the Community, One Donation at a Time

Through this collaborative effort, the libraries in South Douglas County are demonstrating their commitment to supporting their communities in meaningful ways. By leveraging their resources and networks, they are able to amplify their impact and make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity. As the food drive continues, the libraries hope to inspire more individuals and organizations to join the cause, ultimately creating a stronger, more resilient community.