Donate Dinner is one of the largest volunteer events in the Portland metropolitan area.  Last year, 800 people volunteered for 2-hour shifts and the outcome was incredible – they raised more than $180,000 to support the Meals-On-Wheels program.  This year, with the increase in transportation and food costs, volunteers are needed more than ever to help raise money to feed our local area seniors.

Local grocery stores (New Seasons Markets, Thriftway, Haggens, and  Vancouver Whole Foods) participate by having volunteers greet customers as they come into the store and handout cards.  The card explains that if a customer would like to “donate a dinner to a homebound senior” they tell the cashier when they check out and the donation will be added to their grocery bill.  It’s that simple! 

It takes a village to care for our elders.  1200 volunteers are needed this year to ensure our homebound seniors continue to receive hot nutritious meals.  Volunteers are the key to the success of this event.  Last year, each volunteer raised an average of $225 per shift.  When there was no volunteer to greet customers and hand out cards, donations dwindled down to almost nothing. 

We are grateful for the generosity of our community members – the customers and sponsors who contribute money, the volunteers who give their time, and the local grocery stores that create the opportunity.   We thank you all!