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2021 Winter Holiday Resource List

Food Boxes

Food distribution centers are uncertain if they will be providing holiday-type food. 

  1. Food for Lane County Food Pantries
    Call for nearest food box distribution site: (541) 343-2822
    Eugene/Springfield Food Pantry DirectoryRural Food Pantry Directory

  2. Burrito Brigade
    Phone: (541) 632-3239
    Food Pantry Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
    Location: You can pick up a free food box at Sonrise Christian Church, 1300 Irvington Drive Eugene, OR 97404.
    Go onto website to sign up for a 5-minute food box pick-up slot. Registration for the week opens on Sunday evening, so please check the website. Please fill out the form to signup for food box delivery. 
    Questions? Email: info@burritobrigade.org or call 541-632-3239.

  3. Catholic Community Services 
    Phone: (541) 345-3628
    Food Pantry Hours: The Food Pantry is open to the public on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Regular office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Except Thursdays, we close at 3:30.
    Locations:
    Eugene Site:
    1464 West 6th Avenue, Eugene
    Springfield Site: 1025 G Street, Springfield
    COVID-19 Response: Pre-made bags of food are available.

  4. Community Food for Creswell
    Phone: (541) 870-2252
    Location: Cobalt Building, 364 Cobalt Lane, off N. 5th/N. Harvey Rd., Creswell
    Food Pantry Hours: Every Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Closed on Thanksgiving). Income-eligible customers may receive fresh produce, canned and packaged foods, as well as frozen meat each week as needed. Grab and Go Meal Boxes are also available at the Food Pantry. Covid-19 Care Bags are also available with masks, hand sanitizer, and information on vaccinations.
    COVID-19 Response: We ask that our customers form a vehicle line that begins at our entrance at 364 Cobalt Lane and runs eastward to First Street. Our staff will provide instruction regarding entrance to the parking lot, hands-free intake, and food loading while customers remain in their vehicle. We will be wearing face masks or shields and sanitizing our hands frequently.

  5. Cottage Grove Community Sharing Holiday Food Box
    Phone:
    (541) 942-2176
    Location: 1440 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove
    Office Hours: Mondays 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
    Food-Box Distribution Hours: December 20th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    Applications Available: Nov 1st – Nov 24th. Applications are required for the annual Holiday Food Box and Tree of Joy programs. Proof of income will be needed! Pay stubs or award letters for social security will be accepted. A self-attestation paper can be provided to those with no income. Delivery of food boxes will be available as well. Applications are available online, by calling 541-942-2176, or filled out in person at the location listed above.

  6. Junction City Local Aid
    Phone: (541) 998-3992
    Location: 210 E 6th Avenue, Junction City
    Food Pantry Hours: Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thursdays 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., and last Saturday of each month 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    COVID-19 Response: We offer hand sanitizer for our guests to use. Our staff and volunteers follow food handling best practices, including frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Maintaining a safe environment in our pantry is of the utmost importance. This is why we must ask all clients who are ill to please stay home (even if they don’t have COVID-19). Folks can arrange in advance for an authorized representative to pick up their monthly or weekly food items for them. Just give us a call and we can help you make the necessary arrangements.

  7. St. Matthews Episcopal Church – Food Distribution
    Phone:
    (541) 689-4010
    Location: 4110 River Rd, Eugene
    Food Pantry Hours: November 20th and December 18th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Starting in January, they will resume with the last Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    In response to COVID-19: Everyone must maintain 6-feet of distance from each other. PRAY BiG Pantry is now operating a shopping style pantry. Masks are required. Physical distancing strictly enforced. Sorry-no use of the restroom.

  8. Veneta/Elmira Kiwanis Holiday Food Box and To-Go Meals 
    Phone: (541) 935-4555 Ext. 100
    Food Box: Love Project Food Pantry takes applications for a Drive Through/No Contact distribution of food boxes. More details on the location and time of distribution are available on the applications.
    Applications: Available December 1st. Pick-up at Rays Food Place or Banner Bank (same parking lot) 25013 OR-126, Veneta, 97487
    Food Box Pick Up Date: December 18th

Holiday Meal Sites

  1. Junction City Moose Lodge #2238
    Phone:
    (541) 998-1164
    Location: 427 Front St., Junction City
    The Lodge is partnering with other local organizations for a Community Thanksgiving Dinner and other holiday activities. Call 541-998-1164 for information or visit their Facebook page for updates.

  2. Veneta/Elmira Kiwanis Holiday Food Box and To-Go Meals
    Phone: (541) 935-4555 Ext. 100
    Location and Hours: To-Go Meals will be provided at the Fern Ridge Service Center at 25035 West Broadway, Veneta on Wednesday, November 24th between 2:00 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Holiday Gift Programs

1.   S.A.N.T.A. Project (Sharing Among Neighbors Toy Appeal)

Phone: (541) 935-3282

Location: Veneta Elementary Gymnasium, 88131 Territorial Hwy, Veneta

No application is required. Participants must live in the Fern Ridge Area and proof of child’s age is required.Call for more details or visit their Facebook group for information on eligibility and requirements:

Distribution Time: Saturday December 11th at 9:00 a.m.

2.   Cottage Grove Tree of Joy

Phone: (541) 942-2176

Location: 1440 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove

Starting November 1st – 24th, applications will be taken for the annual Tree of Joy program. Applications for Tree of Joy are in-person paper only at our office.

3.   Toys for Tots

Want to volunteer? Please register on the website or contact us at EugeneT4T@usmc.mil.

Requirements: Toys for children up to age 13. Requirements: Proof of Lane County residency, proof that the child lives with you, and proof of child’s age is needed. We strongly suggest you do not bring children with you. Tickets are issued to minimize the wait time but are not required to receive toys on the dates of the distribution.

Acceptable Documents:For Parents: Local photo ID or photo ID with local mail (to show Lane County residency)

For Children: The first sheet of a medical card showing both the parent’s and child’s names, IRS tax forms, Renter’s Agreements, ODHS paperwork that includes both the parents and child’s name(s), any other legal document that includes the names of the parent(s) and the child’s name(s) and date of birth(s).

Eugene/Springfield

Tickets Distribution Site: 2525 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Eugene from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 17thToy Distribution Site: 3106 Pierce Parkway, Springfield, OR

  • Toy Distribution from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11th

    • Toy Distribution from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12th

Oakridge

Toy Distribution Site: Oakridge Fire Station, 47592 OR-58, Oakridge

  • Tickets will be issued at the distribution site until December 10th.

    • Toy Distribution from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11th

Cottage Grove

Toy Distribution Site: Cottage Grove Fire Station, 233 E Harrison Ave.

  • No tickets issued for this distribution.

    • Toy Distribution from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12th

Florence

Toy Distribution Site: 2625 US – 101 Florence, OR

  • No tickets issued for this distribution

    • Toy Distribution from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 4th

Please contact the organizations listed here to verify the information and obtain any updates.

This list was compiled by Community Partnership Coordinators: Maritza Herrera maritza.y.herrera@dhsoha.state.or.us and Tricia Merrick TRICIA.L.MERRICK@dhsoha.state.or.us. Updates? Please contact them at their email addresses.(Revised 11/21)

2021 Lane County Pumpkin Patch Guide

The changing leaves aren’t the only things reminding us that fall has arrived. Oregon is a little more on the orange side this season, as pumpkins pop up everywhere from grocery stores to road-side stands to neighborhood front porches. Although you can find great pumpkins outside of your nearest supermarket, the best way to get pumpkins with your family is picking them straight from the patch!While many farms have scaled back their usual fall fun and are implementing Covid social distancing guidelines, they still are open for business! Taking your family out to one of the local farms for a day of pumpkin picking and family bonding is a great way to get your pumpkin fix for the season while enjoying a fun, educational day outside together.We have put together a list of Lane County farms – where your family can go to get a fresh taste of farm life and welcome the fall season!

A&M Family Farms

October Hours:      9:00am – 4:30pm Thursday – SundayFamily Fun: Pumpkin patch, farm stand with meat and produce, incredible cinnamon rolls and baked goods, snack shack, photo ops, goats to feed, self guided farm tour.Location: 84735 Parkway Road, Pleasant Hill, 97455Contact:  (541)214-9127, www.amfamfarms.com; facebook.com/amfamfarms

Bush’s Fern View Farms

October Hours:      9:00am – 6:00pm daily

Family Fun: October finds our farm busy with our u-pick pumpkin patch and hay maze.

Location: 90536 Territorial Hwy, Junction City, 97448

Contact:  (541) 935-6362, facebook.com/BushsFernViewFarms

Detering Orchards

October Hours:        9:00am – 6:00pm* daily

                          *U-Pick closes one hour earlier

Family Fun:  Pre-picked and u-pick pumpkin patch. Every weekend of the month enjoy Tractor Rides, Cow Train Rides, Apple Blaster, Treasure Mining, Mechanical Bull, Corn Maze, Animal Corral, and Playground!

Special Events: Apple Daze – Detering Orchards’ fall harvest celebration, every weekend in October!

Location: 30946 Wyatt Drive, Harrisburg, 97446

Contact:  541-995-6341, deteringorchards.com and facebook.com/DeteringOrchards

Groundwork Organics

October Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm Thursday – Sunday

Family Fun: Pre-picked pumpkins.

Location: 91360 River Road, Junction City, 97448

Contact:  (541) 654-4941, groundworkorganics.com

Harry’s Berries and Pumpkin Patch

October Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm Thursday – SaturdayLocation: 90876 Coburg Rd, Eugene, 97408Contact:  (541) 799-6468, facebook.com/HarrysBerriesandPumpkinPatch

Hentze Family Farm

October Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm Friday – Sunday

Family Fun: U-pick pumpkin patch opens later in October (either the weekend of the 9th or 16th, call to confirm). Picked pumpkins for sale.

Special Events: Octoberfest Weekend happens October 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th. Tractor-drawn hay wagon rides and hay maze.

Location: 30045 Hentze Lane, Junction City, 97448

Contact:  541-998-8944, hentzefamilyfarm.com, facebook.com/hentzefamilyfarm

Herrick Farms

October Hours:     9:00am – 5:00pm daily

Family Fun: Pumpkins for sale. Pumpkin patch rides on weekends, starting October 9th for $1 per person.

Location: 88088 Millican Rd, Springfield, 97478

Contact:  (541) 741-1046, facebook.com/Herrick-Farms 

Hollyaire Farms

October Hours:     11:00am – 5:00pm Friday – SundayFamily Fun: Pumpkin patch and produce for sale.Location: 30747 Lone Pine Dr, Junction City, 97448Contact:  (541) 972-2264, facebook.com/Hollyaire-Farm-264962137504056/

Johnson Family Farms

October Hours:        10:00am – 6:00pm*  Monday – Saturday

                            11:00am – 4:00pm* Sunday

                            *U-Pick closes one hour earlier

Family Fun: In October Walt’s Wild Wagon Ride runs throughout the week (from 10am-5pm) where you can throw pumpkins at scarecrows and targets ($8/person). Free indoor hay maze. Pumpkins for purchase.

Location: 89733 Armitage Rd, Eugene, 97408

Contact:  541-343-9594, johnsonfarmseugene.com, facebook.com/JohnsonFarmsEugene

Mahaffy Ranch

October Hours:       12-6   Monday-Thursday10-6  Friday-SundaySpecial Events: 2021 Harvest Festival includes U-Pick Pumpkin Patches, River view Hay Ride, Corn Cannon, Corn Maze, Covered Maze, Farm Animals, Cider Barn, Snack Shack and more!Cost:  See ticket page for activity pricing, and food page for food pricing. Pumpkin Patches, Harvest Market, Cider Barn and Snack Shack do not require tickets for entry.Location: 10362 Hwy 241, Coos Bay, OR 97420Contact: (541) 269-3900; www.mahaffyranch.com; www.facebook.com/mahaffyranch

My Brothers’ Farm

October Hours:        10:00am – 2:00pm Saturdays10:00am – 2:00pm Sunday October 17 and 24Special Events: Fall Festival Sunday October 17 and 24. Easy walk on a gravel road, members of the My Brothers’ Farm team will be there to greet you. Throw apples to the pigs, view the bison, stop by the pumpkin patch and take home a pumpkin! The farm-stand will be open for purchases. Looking forward to seeing you!Location: 84674 Cloverdale Rd, Creswell, 97426Contact:  (541) 632-3071, www.mybrothersfarm.com; www.facebook.com/mybrothersfarm

Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm

October Hours:        10:00am – 5:00pm daily

Family Fun: Autumn Harvest Days Oct. 1 –Oct 31!  Family friendly corn maze (reserve tickets ahead of time here). Shop our farm store for gifts and unique decorating items. Visit the Witch’s Brew for a hauntingly good drink. Local vendors with food, fresh local produce, and flowers. U-pick pumpkin patch.Cost: Corn Maze – Adults (13+) $10.00, Children (4-12) $7.50, Ages 3 and under are FREE. Purchase tickets here.

Location: 36777 Wheeler Road, Pleasant Hill, 97455

Contact:  541-746-5161, northernlightschristmastreefarm.com; facebook.com/northernlightschristmastreefarm/ 

Shady Oaks Plants and Produce

October Hours: 10:00am – 5:30pm Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays)

Family Fun: Pumpkins, hay maze and farm animals. U-pick pumpkin patch opens later in October (call farm for current information).

Location: 77380 Highway 99, Cottage Grove, 97424

Contact:  (541) 942-5004, facebook.com/ShadyOaksPlantsandProduce, my-site-shadyoaks.square.site

Thistledown Farm

October Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm daily

Family Fun: Lane County’s largest pumpkin patch! The walk-up patch is open every day of the week. Horse-drawn ride to another patch available on Saturdays and Sundays (9am to 4:30pm).

Cost: Horse-drawn ride: $4.50 per person.

Location: 91455 River Road Junction City, 97448

Contact:  541-689-2019, thistledownfarm.net; facebook.com/thistledownfarmOregon

No matter which pumpkin patch you decide to explore with your family this year, you are sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience with your little ones. These local farms are a great place to teach your children about the exciting harvest season and to let them help you pick some fresh produce for the family to enjoy later. So pull on your favorite fall sweater and get outdoors with your family for an unforgettable day of fun at the farm this month!

Before you go call or check their website to confirm their hours and to find out what produce is available for u-pick. Check the LaneKids Activity Calendar for special events at the farm. Keep in mind it might be crowded on weekends and during special events.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that when visiting pumpkin patches or orchards, people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking fruit, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing

An Extra Special Little Girl: one mother’s experience supporting a child with Cerebral Palsy

Five years ago a daunting diagnosis was entering our life and most things have not been the same since. I’ve faced frightening and complex information about the thing that matters most to me in this life. My daughter was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 9 months old. We were immediately connected with Early Intervention services. When our journey began my daughter was extremely behind on her development, she had vision issues, she had trouble eating and swallowing, she couldn’t sit up or roll over, she struggled with sensory issues, her muscles were very tight, she was uncomfortable and cried all the time.

Therapy and early intervention services helped us set small reasonable goals with physical therapy, occupational therapy, feeding, and sensory issues. I began navigating the system for services that I’d previously worked in for 13 years. Even with that experience it’s been extremely difficult to navigate. The amount of time it takes for appointments 2 hours away for pediatric specialties makes it impossible to hold a full time job.

Being a Mommy of an extra special little girl can feel isolating much of the time, but because of that our lives have been touched by some of the most kindhearted and devoted people that walk the earth. Therapy, and Early Intervention services gave me hope after her diagnosis and showed me there is life after diagnosis. We will forever be grateful for our team. The work they do everyday changes lives and gives young children with disabilities a fair start and the opportunity they deserve to learn and reach their best potential. I can’t express enough how important early intervention services really are!

Editor’s note: While most of you have heard of Cerebral Palsy (CP), we know not everyone knows about its cause or how it affects people. Nina was kind enough to share some information about CP and how you can show your support this March for CP Awareness! 

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common disability in the world and impacts over 18 million people; however, no two people are affected the same way. It’s a physical disability caused by a brain injury during pregnancy, birth, or shortly after birth. It affects movement, coordination, muscle tone and control, reflexes, posture and balance. Additionally, there are often co-occurring conditions such as intellectual impairment, epilepsy, behavior disorders, sleep disorders, impaired vision, autism, and/or impaired hearing. Limitations associated with this condition are influenced by the location of the brain injury and the intensity of it.While there is still no cure for CP, prompt treatment will drastically improve a child’s long term capabilities and quality of life. The earlier treatment begins, the better chance children have of overcoming developmental disabilities and learning new ways to accomplish the tasks that challenge them every day. Every case is as unique as the person who has it and every child with CP is still a child. They need love, guidance, play, support, creativity and rules. They are all individuals with varying interests, personalities, gifts, talents, opinions, relationships and lives.

How can you get involved and show your support?

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to raise awareness of CP in our communities. It’s a day that will remind us we’ve come a long way, but we still have work to do! On March 25th, Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, don’t forget to wear the color green to show your support and educate others.

Nina Watkins is the mother of two young children, 8 years old and 5 years old, living in Lane County. We love the outdoors and the cold snowy weather is our favorite!