by Lisa Faust, SVP, Commercial Relationship Banking Officer

Oregon is ranked as the sixth highest state in the US for the average amount of volunteer hours served per resident each year. According to a recent study, Oregonians average 50.3 hours of volunteer service per person, and that is a tremendous amount of support. At Columbia Bank, supporting the communities where we live and work is the cornerstone of who we are. This value has been reinforced by a legacy of leaders who truly inspired this call to action throughout our bank. Following the overwhelming success of our inaugural Melanie Dressel Community Commitment Day in 2017, we are bringing it back in a big way for 2018. This year, we are not just dedicating a day, we are dedicating an entire week to serving our communities and local organizations in honor of the life, career and passion of our late CEO Melanie Dressel.

During the week of April 23, and beyond, we have opportunities set up throughout the Northwest to encourage our bankers to roll up their sleeves and pitch in. We hope you, our fellow Oregonians, will continue your amazing support and join us! We’ve put together a short list of some great local organizations that could use your support. Together, we can make a difference in our communities!

Portland Children’s Museum- Portland, Oregon.

The Portland Children’s Museum believes children are interested in things worth knowing about, so they are dedicated to making interactive exhibits that make visible the ways children think, imagine, design and create using arts and sciences. Volunteer to help in the clay studio, the maker studio or at one of their many special events! Head to their website to learn more about getting involved.

Eugene Mission- Eugene, Oregon.

The Eugene Mission is the only full-service center for those experiencing homelessness in the Eugene/Springfield area. Support the mission by volunteering your time to help serve meals to those in need and be sure to visit with your neighbors to help spread kindness during your volunteer service.

United Way of Clatsop County- Astoria, Oregon

United Way of Clatsop County strives to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of Clatsop County communities. Help them create opportunities and inspire hope for a better tomorrow by volunteering during their “Day of Caring” on April 21, 2018, or check out their website for other ways to get involved.

Share Vancouver- Vancouver, Wash.

Share Vancouver proudly provides a full spectrum of services to both individuals and families in need free of any discrimination. You can help further this mission by volunteering your time to help prepare and serve hot food, leading children’s activities and helping prepare and distribute backpacks to local schools.

United Way of Mid-Willamette Valley- Salem. Oregon.

United Way of Mid-Willamette Valley focuses on supporting its friends and neighbors because they believe we all benefit when we have the opportunity to reach our full potential. They work together with local businesses, government, schools, faith groups, individual community members, and nonprofits alike – because it takes the whole community to get results. Get involved and help change the narrative by volunteering your time to support a variety of partner initiatives, making a donation or attending a fundraising event.

Whether you are in Oregon, Washington or Idaho, we hope you will join us in supporting some of these great organizations this season and beyond. Offering up support in the form of just a few hours of service can make a lasting impact in your community!