Sweet Home Emergency Ministries Executive Director Peggy Blair is resigning.
“Last month, I was not in the SHEM office for the last week,” Blair said. “Instead, I was over at the hospital staying with my sister who had emergency surgery for colon cancer.
“She is now at my home recovering and awaiting chemotherapy treatments. I am unable to give SHEM and its clients the time and attention they deserve.”
Blair tendered her resignation to the SHEM Board of Directors on March 12. She will remain at SHEM through April 30 to carry out her duties and train her replacement.
Application forms and a position description are available at the intake desk.
“Of course, I’m going to miss SHEM very much, the clients, the volunteers, the interactions,” Blair said. The best memories she will take away will be the people.
Blair may get involved again sometime as a volunteer, she said, but she won’t any time in the near future. Her future involvement will depend on how her sister comes along.
Blair has served as director for two years. She started volunteering at SHEM in 2003.
Among the highlights during her tenure, she secured a $5,000 grant in August from the Siletz Tribal Foundation to purchase a commercial refrigerator, Blair said. The refrigerator hasn’t been installed yet because SHEM is still looking for a new, permanent home.
“I am grateful for all the donors that have been giving over the years,” she said. She’s also grateful for the positive response to a monthly newsletter she started while serving as director.
In other business at SHEM, it is time for the Feinstein Challenge again, Blair said. Alan Feinstein donates $1 million to American organizations that feed the hungry.
The amount donated to an individual organization is proportional to the amount of money the organization is able to raise during the challenge.
There is also a monetary value, $1 per item or pound, attached to donated food items.
“All you have to do to participate in the Feinstein Challenge is write the words “Feinstein Challenge” on the memo line of check donations during March and April or simply tell SHEM volunteers, “Feinstein,” if making a cash or food donation.