The Columbia County
2023 Nonprofit Giving Guide
Nonprofit Giving Guide
Letters to Santa
Inside
Page A7-10
Presented by The Chronicle & The Chief
$1.50
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023
VOL. 132, NO. 32 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
Turning Point gathering donations for families in need
Courtesy photo from Kelly Miller
“They may specify that they would like to donate to the housing fund, which helps pay for rent, deposits, and application fees, or the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund, which is a program for clients that might need gas for medical appointments, propane for heating and cooking, water bill assistance, or any number of scenarios that might be creating a barrier for the client, or they can have their dollars go to food only or to general where needed,” Miller said. “And all cash and non-cash donations are always tax-deductible, and we offer a receipt for each donation.” Miller said that many of the cash donations have gone to their food program, which she said is a “huge help,” because feeding people is their primary goal. Miller did note that the other programs do not seem to get as much funding, and they are usually out of resources for any type of rental and housing assistance by the end of October. When asked if she had a message for the community, Miller said that they are appreciative of how the community has and continues to support Turning Point. “Give yourself some grace this time of year, find joy in the simple things, and know that Turning Point appreciates each and every one of you,” Miller said. Their hours are Monday, Tuesday & Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will be closed from Dec. 18, 2023, to Jan. 1, 2024, and will reopen on Jan. 2.
December,” Miller said. “Last year was the first year that every tag was purchased, and I couldn’t have been happier!” The donations that have been collected can go towards a number
of things, according to Miller. Miller said that if people donate food, that goes toward food boxes for clients. With cash donations, donors have the option to tell Miller where they would like the funds to go.
If you would like to donate to Turning Point - you can mail to Turning Point PO Box 773, Clatskanie, OR 97016 or drop off in person at 220 E. Columbia River Hwy., Clatskanie, OR 97016.
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
minor in graphic design,” Chamber showcases our rich traditions in a Board Director Nikole Young said. family-friendly atmosphere. “This ultimately led me to a career The artwork must be celebratory in marketing where I now manage in nature and circular in design. The production projects with large Heritage Days Committee would groups of artists like dealso like the artist to insigners, videographers, clude a statement with writers, and more. It’s their submission that never too early to provides a ratiostart working on nale about why your portfolio!” the piece reflects The requiretheir appreciation ments for a of Clatskanie. submission are Young wants that the artist be to make sure that between 13 and 19 people know the years old and live contest is open to within Clatskanie’s all in the area. public district boundary. “I’d like to emphaThe submissions are due size that this contest is Courtesy graphic by Dec. 22, but Young said open to all area students Last year’s winner no matter where they atthere is some flexibility if Kaydence DeCaro. tend school,” Young said. the student or their parent reaches out to her if they “If you live in or near are having trouble meeting that Clatskanie, attend Heritage Days, deadline. and have something positive to say The art can be in any medium, about your town, we want to see but “it must align with the Clatsyour artwork!” kanie Heritage Days Mission. The mission is “to bring the community Email submissions or questions together by providing an affordable to Nikole Young at nikole.young@ and fun event that educates and outlook.com.
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
Turning Point Community Service Center in Clatskanie has raised more than $9,000 for food boxes this holiday season and is still accepting donations as Christmas draws closer. Turning Point Executive Director Kelly Miller detailed the results of various holiday drives and donations so far. “There have been many wonderful organizations, churches, and individuals who have held food drives for Turning Point this holiday season. I do not know off the top of my head the total numbers or pounds of donated items until I complete my year-end reports, which I do in January,” Miller said. “I do know that the community has donated over $9000 specifically for help with the cost of holiday food boxes! This is huge since my cost continues to rise every year for this program.” With Christmas less than two weeks away, Miller said that Turning Point is in “full Christmas mode.” She said they are still collecting donations of toys for children and holiday food box items but that they are always in need of regular food donations any time of the year. The goal for Miller is to have “each and every Angel Tag purchased for the children of our clients.” Angel Tags are created using the client’s holiday food box application, Miller said. If a family that signs up has children, they also get to fill out the gift request sheet - which Miller then converts into Angel Tags, and they are put out into the community at Flowers N Fluff and Umpqua Bank every year.
Turning Point Executive Director Kelly Miller making sure the Angel Tags are organized.
“Those tags are usually available from about the third week of November to the end of the second week in December, at which time we then deliver those gifts to the families by the third week in
Heritage Days theme contest open
Last year’s winner Kaydence DeCaro.
Sports ........................ A2 Obituaries ................. A3 News and Views ...... A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5 Crossword ................ A6 Letters to Santa A7-A10
Courtesy photo from Nikole Young
The Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce is once again accepting submissions for the 2024 Heritage Days Theme design contest, and they are due Dec. 22. The Heritage Days planning committee, which the Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce oversees, began the design contest two years ago as part of a new tradition to engage local teen artists between the ages of 13 and 19 with the Heritage Days celebration. Kaydence DeCaro was the winner of the 2023 Heritage Days theme design contest and won $150, an art kit, and public recognition. The theme was “The Best Show In Town.” Of course, the winning design will also dictate the theme of this year’s Heritage Days. “This is a valuable opportunity for a local student artist to receive public recognition and award money for their talent and creativity. I was president of my high school’s art club, won some awards in high school for my art that earned me college scholarships, and went on to
Willy Wonka comes to Clatskanie
Contact The Chief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051
Courtesy photo from Jamie Erwin
(X) SUBMITTED BY JAMIE ERWIN Chief Guest Article
The Clatskanie High School Theatre Program proudly presents: Willy Wonka Jr.
Words and Music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley Adapted for the Stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy A. McDonald Based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald
Dahl Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY (212) 541-4684 mtishows.
com. Featuring over 50 Clatskanie Students from 3rd grade to 12th grade. Join us Friday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m. $10 general $8 students/seniors.