New Roads staff members show off some of the gifts received during the 2025 Giving Tree program
Despite a challenging economic environment for many - generosity won out this holiday season with donors and supports of Looking Glass contributing gifts and cash donations exceeding expectations (and prior year haul) allowing all of the youth we serve hoping to get a gift to have reasons to smile.
This year’s tree location partners were extremely helpful - we had nearly 300 youth requesting items - mostly items of need (socks, warm coats, jeans, cookware, household items, etc…) and thanks to these location partners and the generous community, we were able to provide items to every youth requesting one: Valley River Center (the Active 20-30 Club!), Oakway Center, Oregon Contemporary Theatre, Columbia Bank on 7th Ave, Elmer’s Diner, Sparrow Nest Coffee, Claim 52 Brewing and Coldwell Banker on Shadow View Drive.
Staff at Claim 52 Brewing show off their hosted Giving Tree
In addition, we had cash donations from several individuals as well as corporate support from companies including The Good Earth Pest Company and a department at the University of Oregon. And we had a record number of donors take advantage of our Amazon wish list, shipping items directly to our admin office or distribution to programs.
Each of our programs handles the distribution of the gifts a little differently - our homeless youth program, for example, does a raffle approach with tickets allowing each youth to approach the gift pile and take something they want or need; our housing program hand delivers items to the rental units our clients reside in; and our residential treatment program (RCC) gathers the youth together for a happy gathering along with a special meal.
Thank you to all of our amazing donors and supporters who made this holiday season a rare one, in which we got to spoil these youth who are dealing with some really challenging situations.