Record Number of Projects Planned for Volunteers in Oregon

Oregonians can sign up now to celebrate the sesquicentennial.

Oregon volunteers can make a big difference for their state. Photo courtesy: oregon150.org

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregonians can sign up now to celebrate the sesquicentennial Nearly 600 projects are scheduled in May for Take Care of Oregon Days, one of six signature events commemorating 150 years of statehood.

“Our goal was to make this the largest volunteer project in the state’s history,” said Mary Oberst, Oregon’s First Lady and Chair of the Board of Oregon 150.

“We are pleased that so many Oregonians have stepped up to lead truly amazing projects in their communities. We have exceeded the original plan for 500 projects.”

Projects are planned in every county in the state, and in most communities. The majority will take place on Saturday, May 16th but projects can be found throughout the month of May.

Volunteer opportunities of all types are scheduled, including food drives, community cleanups and beautification activities, community garden development, senior support projects, tree and wildflower plantings, support our troops projects, weed pulls, Habitat for Humanity home building activities and many more.

In Harney County, a pajama drive will take place to benefit children in foster care. At the state library, volunteers will repair and clean cassette players for Talking Books that are sent to thousands of print-disabled Oregonians.

Corvallis will hold a workshop to train volunteers how to care for a state treasure, the rare WurliTzer organ. Hermiston will hold a free community shred day event.

From refurbishing welcome signs to helping museums and libraries, to recycling projects, an unprecedented array of volunteer activities is available. The complete list can be found at oregon150.org/projects/take-care-of-oregon/.

“Our goal includes involving 20,000 volunteers in these projects,” said Oberst.

“Project leaders have stepped up in a big way and now we need Oregonians to think about how they can be involved. Volunteers can look for activities in their own communities, or think about taking an Oregon vacation and helping out somewhere else.

Volunteering together is a great family activity. Or bring together co-workers, members of a congregation or club, or other groups. Volunteering together strengthens us as Oregonians, and makes our place all the more special.”

Volunteers can find project details at the website and register online, including the number of people in their groups. Project sites will be closed as the maximum number of volunteers is reached so people are encouraged to register early for the best selection of opportunities.