Season of Transition

The Store to Door Board of Directors would like to express its deepest gratitude and appreciation to Mark Fulop for his many years of service to the community as the organization’s executive director. Mark will be retiring in September this year, and Store to Door is initiating a search for his replacement.

Mark joined Store to Door in 2019 and, with courage and superb management, expanded Store to Door’s services to support independent living for seniors and adults with disabilities throughout the pandemic. In addition to grocery delivery, low-income clients now receive a supplementary food box through a partnership with Nourish Oregon, a local food pantry. A volunteer-driven friendly caller program and a social service information and referral program connect clients to other social service programs.

Mark shared that “Serving nearly six years at Store to Door was some of the most rewarding work of my career. The challenges facing low-income seniors continue to grow, and the services of Store to Door are more important than ever before.”

Through his leadership and the superb training of his staff, Store to Door is well-positioned to welcome a new leader to tackle the challenges of serving the Portland area’s senior community in the years to come. Over the next couple of months, Mark and the board will work to ensure continuity during this time of transition. We thank Mark for all he has done for the organization and the community and wish him an active and fulfilling retirement.

Jeri Janowsky, Ph.D.
Store to Door Board Chair

Volunteer Spotlight: Sandra Ganey

This month’s volunteer spotlight is Food Box Volunteer Sandra Ganey! Beginning as a volunteer shopper in 2024, Sandra has become a regular Food Box Packer with our free food box program, helping assemble hand crafted food boxes for Store to Door clients in need!

Q: How did you first get involved with S2D?

A: I found myself with time and started searching for ways to volunteer. Store to Door was very welcoming and I started shopping for those who can’t get to a store easily.

Q: What keeps you busy when you are not volunteering with Store to Door?

A: I enjoy long bike rides with my husband, yoga, plant based cooking, caring for my dogs and chickens, and growing culinary mushrooms! I now pack food boxes for folks who really need some extra help, and it is very very rewarding.

Q: What is something that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know about you?

A: My Wednesday food box comrades (Go Team Food Box!) might be surprised to learn I can balance on my hands, and identify birds just by their song!

Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking of volunteering with Store to Door?

A: If you’re considering volunteering – do it! It uplifts the spirit and reminds you that the world is mostly good.

Interested in learning more about volunteer with Store to Door and getting involved to support homebound seniors in your community? Visit our volunteer page or send us an email!

Volunteer Spotlight: Wilson Hu

This month, we had the chance to catch up with Store to Door Volunteer Wilson Hu. Wilson is a delivery driver at Store to Door’s Beaverton location, and has given more than 315 hours of his time since first connecting with Store to Door in 2021!

Q: How did you first get involved with Store to Door?
A: I first discovered the volunteer opportunity with Store to Door through my employer, Umpqua Bank’s website. It was a pleasant surprise to find such a meaningful initiative supported by my workplace. The idea of helping seniors with their grocery shopping needs resonated with me deeply. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as I signed up for my first volunteer shift. Little did I know, this would become a rewarding and enriching part of my life. The sense of community and the joy of making a tangible difference in someone’s day is what keeps me coming back for the last 3 years.

Q: What keeps you busy when you are not volunteering with Store to Door?
A: When I’m not volunteering with Store to Door, I love spending time with my 9-year-old dog, Coco. We go for walks every day, ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, which is a great way for both of us to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. I also have a passion for movies and often find myself getting lost in different genres, from classic films to the latest blockbusters. Reading is another hobby of mine; I enjoy diving into a good book and exploring new worlds through literature. Additionally, I love hiking and engaging in various exercises to keep myself fit and energized. These activities help me maintain a balanced and fulfilling life outside of my volunteer work.

Q: What is something that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know about you?
A: I consider myself a normal and easygoing person, so I don’t think there’s much that would surprise my fellow volunteers. However, one thing that might be unexpected is my love for cooking. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and trying out different cuisines. It’s a creative outlet for me, and I find it incredibly satisfying to prepare a delicious meal from scratch. Sharing these meals with friends and family is one of my favorite ways to connect with others and create lasting memories.

Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking of volunteering with Store to Door?
A: Volunteering with Store to Door is a fantastic opportunity that I highly recommend. You’ll meet a lot of wonderful people who are passionate about contributing to the community we live and work in. It’s a chance to connect with seniors, hear their fascinating stories, and make a positive impact on their lives. The sense of fulfillment and joy you get from helping others is truly unmatched. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive and friendly volunteer community that makes the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a way to give back and make a difference, Store to Door is the perfect place to start.

Store to Door’s Annual Nourish to Flourish Gala Raises more than $72,000!

On Thursday, September 19th, more than 150 friends and supporters of Store to Door gathered at Jupiter NEXT Hotel for a lively evening of food, drinks and great company. The evening featured the conclusion of our online auction, an exciting wine pull, and our popular ‘Price is Right’ game, as well as an impactful address from Store to Door Client Michael, and words from our Executive Director and members of our board.

All told, we raised $72,687 together, surpassing our fall fundraising goal! We are deeply grateful to all those who contributed, and to our event sponsors who made the evening possible! (If you did make a gift at the event, don’t forget to visit our website and scroll down to see if your employer will match your gift at no extra charge!)

The partnership of our community is a vital part of our work supporting independent living for homebound seniors and adults living with disabilities across Portland. Together, we will continue working towards a community in which all people are nourished, connected, and able to age with dignity in the setting of their own choosing! It was wonderful to be able to celebrate together again at our first benefit gala event since 2019.

Thank you to all those who attended and helped us make the event a success! You can find more photos from the evening here and portraits from the photobooth can be found here.

We are deeply grateful for the hard work and generosity of so many members of our community which made this event, and all of Store to Door’s work, a reality. We recognize the need for a community that recognizes and responds to those most in need within it, and this spirit is in part what we celebrated this month and Nourish to Flourish. The partnership of our community is vital to our work supporting homebound seniors and adults with disabilities across Portland.

To all those who joined us at the event, old friends and new, we hope that you will remain connected to our program–and we look forward to seeing you again at Nourish to Flourish next year!

Interested in Volunteering with Store to Door?

As a volunteer-based organization, Store to Door relies on the generosity of our wonderful volunteers, in addition to our donors and supporters! Sign up to volunteer individually or with a team, and help us make an impact in the lives of our neighbors in need!

Email us at volunteer@storetodooroforegon.org if you or someone you know might be interested in signing up!

Consider becoming a member of our Nourishing Circle!

Our Nourishing Circle monthly giving society plays a major roll in supporting Store to Door’s ongoing work on a consistent basis.

With just a few dollars a month, you can continue to sustain Store to Door’s service to those in need in our community!

Volunteer Spotlight: John Collet

This month, we had a chance to chat with Store to Door Volunteer John Collet. As a Food Box Packer, John has given more than 90 hours of his time since first volunteering with Store to Door in 2023!

Q: How did you first get involved with Store to Door?
A: I saw it on a volunteer website in Aug 2023 and applied.

Q: What keeps you busy when you are not volunteering with Store to Door?
A: Family, reading, walking, riding Trimet to libraries and Powell’s Books.

Q: What is something that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know about you?
A: I put sauerkraut on my hotdogs. You have to get a vegetable in somewhere.

Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking of volunteering with Store to Door?
A: Go ahead and volunteer. The employees and fellow volunteers give you lots of support.

Volunteer Spotlight: Bob Monsey

We recently had a chance to catch up with Store to Door Volunteer Bob Monsey! Bob has been volunteering with Store to Door since June of 2023–and has already given more than 100 hours of his time in support of our homebound clients!

Q: How did you first get involved with Store to Door?
A: I got involved with Store to Door when I found out that a friend of mine, whose energy and attitude I’ve long admired, works for Store to Door. And when I found out from her what S2D was all about, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. So I asked in! And I’m glad I did. Thanks, Linda!

Q: What keeps you busy when you are not volunteering with Store to Door?
A: Currently, my wife, Jess, and I are working towards starting our own business here in Portland – centered on children and their families and a desire to be a glue in our community.

And we have two school age children, and a sweet mutt named Freyja, who all seem to lack an ‘off’ switch! 😁

All of that keeps me on my toes of late. But I also enjoy gaming, grilling, get-togethers, getaways, great music and movies, and napping.

Q: What is something that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know about you?
A: I’ve worn many different and disparate hats in my life. I’ve been a farmhand, a social worker, a bartender, an armed services member, a dog trainer, a wanna-be rockstar, et al. But for the last (nearly) 12 years, I’ve been blessed to be a stay-at-home dad ever since our daughter, Emma, was born – with our son, Henry, following a couple years later. That’s my favorite hat.

Also, I don’t actually like wearing hats. I’m a bit hair-obsessed as all the other men in my family are balding or bald and I was teased about the ‘inevitability’ my whole life. Who’s laughing now, gentleman?! Recessive genes for the win! 😅

Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking of volunteering with Store to Door?
A: I can honestly say that the simple acts of service that I get to perform through Store to Door on a weekly basis can and do enrich the lives of those we help in our community, and that in turn my own life has been enriched in ways I could not have ever imagined before I started. If you have the time, there is a need, and it comes back to you tenfold.

Volunteer Spotlight: Peggy Schlegel

This Month, we caught up with Store to Door Volunteer Peggy Schlegel, who has been volunteering as a Friendly Caller and Volunteer Shopper since 2021! During that time, Peggy has given more than 400 hours of her time in support of our homebound client, and is a regular fixture on Thursdays at the the Hollywood Store!

Q: How did you first get involved with Store to Door?
A: In 2002 after my husband retired and I gave up caching High School Dance Teams I was looking for a volunteer opportunity. A friend told me to look at Whats Up Portland. I found the store to door opportunity and since I enjoy talking t people I began by calling clients at the overton street building and writing their orders on paper. At the time there was a woman named Patty there that was quite nice. I did that for several years and also did a bit of shopping when I was able. At that time we were shopping at the burnside Fred Meyer.

I took a long break in about 2006 while I volunteered at Albertina Kerr. I began shopping again at the end of the Pandemic. I had a friend who lived in NE Portland and convinced her to shop for Store to Door also. Although I live in Banks I decided to shop at the Hollywood Fred Meyer with her. We would normally have coffee afterwards. I soon became a bit more connected with the other shoppers and staff and feel very comfortable gong in when I am able.

Q: What keeps you busy when you are not volunteering with Store to Door?
A: When I am not volunteering at Store to door my time is spent volunteering at Rose Haven, (a day shelter) , cooking meals and baking for my family and friends, going to a local gym 2 days a week, attending my grandchildren’s school events, travelling a bit , continuing to market my deceased husbands art work with Northwest Galleries, and directing the Thunderbird High School Summer Dance Camp at the University of Portland. I also toon and Italian class for two years recently at Portland State.

Q: What is something that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know about you?
A: Probably not anything too interesting… I twirled a baton for many years as a child and into my late teens, I marched in the One More Time Around Band with the Dancers for 4 years, About 35 -40 years ago I had a very small walk on part in the Television Movie “The Promise” starring James Garner. I have three adult children and 8 grandchildren. I love them all and have enjoyed taking some pretty fun trips with them…..

Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking of volunteering with Store to Door?
A: I would say if you like to Grocery Shop it is really a great experience …fun to discover new items that people ask for, so nice to call the client when you cannot find something and they are so appreciative of the call and that you took the time to check in. The volunteer commitment is not stressful. The staff at both Store to Door and Fred Meyer are helpful and kind.

It has been rewarding being a Friendly Caller too. The people I talk to each week are friendly, interesting and thoughtful. One of the gentlemen and I have a fun chat about sports every week…he is 92 years old but knows about all the teams!

I love being able to volunteer at Store to Door…the work this organization does is so appreciated and I am happy to be a small part of Store to Door.

Volunteer Spotlight: Elizabeth Miranda

This month, we had a chance to catch up with Store to Door Volunteer Elizabeth Miranda. Since 2023, Elizabeth has given more than 100 hours of time as a Delivery Driver and Volunteer Shopper!

Q: How did you first get involved with Store to Door?

A: I found Store to Door through Hands On Greater Portland when I was searching for volunteer opportunities in the city. I started as a delivery driver for the foodbox program and have been doing that for over a year now. I have also been a store shopper at the Hollywood Fredmeyer.

Q: What keeps you busy when you are not volunteering with Store to Door?

A: I work at Travel Portland and love helping bring people to our amazing city! I am also a dedicated Pug mom and spend lots of time on walks and at the dog park.

Q: What is something that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know about you?

A: I am a triplet!

Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking of volunteering with Store to Door?

A: I think Store to Door is such a rewarding volunteer opportunity because you get to interact with the same individuals every month. At the same time that you are giving support to those in our community who need it, you are also able to form relationships with them over time.

Store to Door’s Community Impact Social Hour

Earlier this month, Store to Door hosted our first Community Impact Social Hour and Briefing. The event was designed to foster discussion about the complexity of needs facing low-income homebound seniors living in our community. We are proud to be part of a community of nonprofit service providers that are committed to working together to support our most vulnerable seniors.

Together, we focus on reducing the challenges and barriers of remaining independent.

At the social hour event, we were pleased to share video comments from Senator Ron Wyden (an early Store to Door volunteer), underscoring the importance of our ongoing work of improving public policy and service delivery to support our seniors. Urban gerontologist Alan DeLaTorre, PhD, spoke about the changing demographics in our senior population, as well as the economic, social, and structural challenges that put pressure on our aging population. He also underscored the strengths of seniors and talked briefly about how many seniors need targeted supportive services as they age.

The centerpiece of the evening was a panel presentation discussing the obstacles and opportunities associated with food access and security, housing stability, peer and social support, and access to quality healthcare. Here are just a few of the highlights.

Affirming that every human being deserves access to healthy and nutritious food
Helping seniors to maintain their housing is imperative as our community continues to be challenged to create affordable housing
Everyone needs social connections and peer supports to age with dignity
The shift towards a team approach to home healthcare and healthcare coordination improves health outcomes for seniors.

We are thankful that Store to Door is able to work in partnership with agencies like Northwest Pilot Project, Portland Open Bible Community Pantry, Villages NW, and Housecall Providers to address the needs of older adults. We look forward to taking the insights from events such as this one to begin building a collaborative network of organizations that can provide scaffolded services to seniors that will provide housing and food security, access to healthcare, and social connection.

Additionally, it is key in our support of our homebound members of our community that we reinforce their societal value. On our end, we will continue to expand our Resource Referral Program that contributes to these four areas such as yard care and home maintenance to reduce evictions and improve safety, transportation to provider appts and social interactions and value through community networks.

We were also honored to present our Helen Bernstein Leadership Award to longtime partner Kaiser Permanente! The award was accepted by Kaiser representative Betty Benson and recognizes their outstanding partnership with Store to Door in support of homebound seniors and adults living with disabilities! Huge thanks to Kaiser for their ongoing support of our program work, and their commitment to serving those in need in our community!

Volunteer Spotlight: Jan Loewen

This month we chatted with longtime Store to Door volunteer Jan Loewen. Since starting to volunteer in 2017, Jan has given more than 725 hours of her time as a shopper and runner at our Hollywood location!

Q: How did you first get involved with Store to Door?

A: I was introduced to Store to Door through my oldest daughter, Beth, when she was working at Kaiser Permanente. Beth formed a team for a community benefit day and recruited me. I was also working at KP and knew the company was a long time supporter of Store to Door, but until then I hadn’t been involved. I enjoyed volunteering that day and just kept on coming!

Q: What keeps you busy when you are not volunteering with Store to Door?

A: I am retired and when not involved with Store to Door, I am the President of Friends of Chamber Music which presents concerts and conducts music education outreach in the Metro area. I enjoy walking, reading, sampling the Portland food scene, live music and traveling. However with my recent adoption of Ruby, a Cavapoo puppy, I will probably be staying closer to home.

Q: What is something that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know about you?

A: When I was in college I drove a school bus route for Elementary school kids – a solid introduction to the skills necessary for managing people!

Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking of volunteering with Store to Door?

Store to Door is a terrific organization, supporting independent living for vulnerable populations in our city. The staff and regular volunteers are friendly and fun, and we love having teams from supporting organizations join us. Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and participation in the community. Its a great way to get out, engage with others and be active. Come join us!