Emergency Shelter Seeks Donations For December Christmas Program

(Woodburn, Oregon) - For over 30 years, thousands of people including hundreds of children, have come to the House of Zion Emergency Shelter. The need for food and clothing is especially great during this winter season. Donations from community members and businesses are urgently needed as holiday preparations begin.

The emergency shelter supports migrant workers, as well as runaways and abused women and children. The organization operates a community training center with English and job skills classes, delivers food boxes and clothing to migrant camps, and will hold a Christmas program on December 18 to distribute food and gifts for children.

The House of Zion's success at improving the security and well being of hundreds of needy families every year depends greatly on the surrounding community's generosity. Because the House of Zion is one of the few emergency shelters between Portland and Salem they are asking that you consider making a donation or financial contribution in one or more of the following areas:
- Unwrapped gifts for children and adults (need 1,000)
- Nonperishable food items for food boxes
- New or gently used blankets and clothing items for winter
- Financial contributions.

Donations can be dropped off in Salem at Our Savior's Lutheran Church new location at 1770 Baxter RD S. (503-399-8601), VanNatta Public Relations, 3340 Commercial Street SE, Suite 210 (503-585-8254) or at the House of Zion shelter at 344 Bradley St., Woodburn (503-981-3347) by December 16 to be distributed by Christmas. For information contact Mary VanNatta, communications coordinator, at 503-585-8254 or Marta Garcia, Director of House of Zion, at 503-981-8042. Financial contributions can be made to "House of Zion" and mailed to 1430 E. Cleveland St. Woodburn, OR 97071. For more information on the House of Zion, please visit their website at www.houseofzion.org.