Gift of Love held an open house Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007 in the old Laurelwood store building. Scott Noon, from the Oregon Department of Human Services, came and answered questions from the 40 neighbors, including 16 Laurelwood Church members, who attended.
Gift of Love helps children, placed in foster care, when they are removed from their homes due to drugs or abuse. Many are removed from "meth homes" and therefore cannot take clothing or possessions with them.
In response, Gift of Love sends large bright-colored, zippered cloth bags filled with essential and comfort items to these children. Last year, more than 25 uniquely-created bags containing: homemade quilts, small pillows (with handmade pillowcases), baseball caps, flashlights, toiletry items, school supplies, and stuffed animals were delivered.
Caroline Salsbery and Marjorie Cate, Laurelwood Community Service directors, organized in August 2006 after being inspired by Bible reading and noting similar projects reported in the GLEANER and on 3ABN. Their skills and desire to initiate a project to benefit the community are well-suited to the concept.
While the open house was held to gain awareness and recruit more assistants, the Laurelwood community can benefit from the fellowship Gift of Love provides. "Working together weekly can provide opportunities to meet one another's needs," says Salsbery.
For more information on how you can help please contact Caroline Salsbery at (503) 985-7783.
From left: Caroline Salsbery along with Mary Beth Gessele and Chris Baidenman, show a Gift of Love quilt.
Virginia Buchanan packs Gift of Love bag for a foster child.
About 40 people attended an open house to learn more about the organization Gift of Love.
