Store to Door proudly received this year’s Oregon Governor’s Volunteer Award for Outstanding Nonprofit Volunteer Program in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties. Executive Director Kiersten Ware and Board Member Michelle Carew accepted the award from Secretary of State Kate Brown at a ceremony in Salem, Oregon on April 24, 2014.
“These volunteers represent the very best of Oregon,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “They have found and filled needs in their community, using common purpose, compassion, and ingenuity to make a huge and lasting difference. I congratulate and thank them for their service.”
Store to Door supports independent living for Portland area seniors and people with disabilities by providing a low-cost grocery shopping and delivery service. 100% of Store to Door’s clients are low-income or unemployed and 80% are women.
With the help of 275 volunteers who take orders, shop, and make deliveries every week, the agency serves 400 low-income people in Multnomah and Washington Counties every year. Store to Door provides access to fresh food, medications, and household items and is the only service of its kind in Oregon.
“It was an absolute honor to receive this award on behalf of the hundreds of dedicated Store to Door volunteers who help make independent living and aging with dignity possible for our clients,” said Kiersten Ware.
The Oregon Volunteers Commission for Voluntary Action and Service organizes the awards program. Wells Fargo sponsors the awards and is making a cash grant to each nonprofit organization being recognized. “The honorees’ dedication to volunteerism has helped create stronger, more vibrant Oregon communities,” said Wells Fargo Regional President Tracy Curtis.
Store to Door’s services in the Portland metro area are vital for the growing population of seniors. For seniors, protecting themselves from food insecurity and hunger is more difficult than for the general population. One in six seniors will experience hunger.
“Since 1989, Store to Door’s amazing volunteers have helped us make 130,000 deliveries for people who would not otherwise have access to food and other necessities,” says Ware. “We are incredibly touched by the generosity of every single volunteer who helps support our clients.”
Congratulations to everyone who currently volunteers with us or who has supported our work at anytime over the last 25 years!