The Oregon Convention Center staff recently held a "Battle of the Bins" donation drive for Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division, and we had a lot of fun doing it!
Sunshine Division works within the Portland Police Bureau to offer food and other essential assistance to distressed Portlanders, and OCC’s more than 100 employees, including the staff of our catering partners pacificwild, were enthusiastic about the opportunity to offer this amazing organization some support.
Decorated bins were placed in all OCC departments and co-workers challenged each other for larger and larger donations from July 5th to August 5th, and most bins were overflowing by the end. Sunshine Division asked us to focus on some specific items, like peanut butter, pasta, breakfast foods and tuna, since many local families with children are no longer receiving free or reduced-cost breakfasts and lunches. New and gently used clothing is also something someone can always use, so our staff helped by bringing in suit jackets, sweaters, dress clothes and shoes.
When the battle was over, a total of 1,570 pounds had been collected and included everything Sunshine Division needs every day, so everyone was a winner.
“I’m so proud of our staff for organizing this effort,” said OCC Executive Director Scott Cruickshank. “Their generosity was inspiring, and it is going to help a great local organization provide assistance to some good local people who can use it.”
Visit the Sunshine Division website to learn how you can help their ongoing efforts to serve local families in need with emergency food and clothing.
The Oregon Convention Center is owned by Metro and managed by the Metro Exposition and Recreation Commission. OCC is a LEED Platinum certified facility hosting groups from around the world and bringing millions of dollars into the Portland and Oregon economy.