Sweet Home Emergency Ministries is trying to raise as much as possible during the annual Feinstein Challenge.
For the 13th consecutive year, Alan Shawn Feinstein, a nationally known philanthropist and humanitarian, will divide $1 million among anti-hunger agencies nationwide, using it to spur fund-raising efforts during March and April.
The more donations made to SHEM and other agencies through April 30, the more Feinstein money they will receive.
Donations may include cash, checks and food items, valued at $1 per item or pound, or pledges as long as they are obtained only from use of the Feinstein Challenge.
The $1 million will be divided proportionately among the agencies receiving donations and reporting them to Feinstein.
Through April, donors should mark their donations as “Feinstein” to make them count, said SHEM Administrator Sharon
Gallegos.
Donations have been good over the past year.
SHEM has raised the $50,000 it needed for the down payment on its new building, Gallegos said.
“Thanks to the community’s response, plus the anonymous donor challenge of $5,000 if we could match, which we did.”
SHEM has applied for a grant from the Siletz Tribe Charitable Contributions for all or part of the remainder of the building cost, $162,000.
“We will know by the end of March whether or not they will grant us some or all of this money,” Gallegos said.
“However, in the meantime, please keep donations coming in to help pay the lease.”
SHEM will reapply for a United Way grant in April, Gallegos said. “They are sending their entire board of directors for a site inspection.”
SHEM bumper stickers, with the text “Support SHEM” will be available for a $5 donation starting March 27, she said.
Anyone interested in receiving SHEM’s free newsletter, for further information or to donate, call 367-6504; contact SHEM at PO Box 694, Sweet Home, OR 97386; or visit 1023 Main St.