Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Launches Community Collection Events
NEWBERG, Ore. — From May 26 to June 6, Newberg Neighbors Feeding Neighbors is encouraging area businesses and organizations to host community food drives to help restock the Newberg FISH shelves.
According to Newberg resident and co-organizer of Newberg Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Sonda Martin, food bank Newberg FISH has seen a 30% increase in food box requests over the last year to go along with a decrease in outside food sources.
“The federal government has recently reduced Oregon’s share of federal funding by a considerable amount, and the cancellation of USDA contracts that bought food from local farmers will also have a negative impact,” Martin wrote in an email to Newsberg.
To raise awareness, Martin and her friends organized the community food drive intended to encourage a series of micro food drives that can bring more food to F.I.S.H. to support the Newberg community.
“The population of Newberg is just over 26,000,” she wrote. “If we could get one can of food for every person, that would be over 20,000 lbs. of food for our hungry neighbors.”
To participate, community members can collect food from their neighbors and deliver to Newberg F.I.S.H. at 125-A South Elliot St. in Newberg. Business and organizations can host a barrel for donations by calling 503-538-4444.
People interested in supporting can also donate their empty bottles and cans to the food bank.
Free Books Available Through Library of Congress Program
NEWBERG, Ore. — The Library of Congress Surplus Books Program is offering free books to eligible organizations in Oregon’s Sixth Congressional District, including public schools, libraries and nonprofits.
Books range from fiction and nonfiction to children’s books, cookbooks, textbooks and audiobooks. To qualify, organizations must be in the district and fall into one of three categories: a nonprofit or tax-supported educational institution; a government agency; or a nonprofit with a public-access library or research center.
To request books, fill out the online form or call (202) 225-5643 with questions. Learn more at Andrea Salinas’s congressional website.
Splash Pad at Rotary Centennial Park Open Daily for Summer Fun
NEWBERG, Ore. — The splash pad at Rotary Centennial Park is officially open for the season. Located outside the Chehalem Cultural Center at 415 E. Sheridan St., the splash pad operates daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., as long as outdoor temperatures reach at least 74 degrees.
The 36-by-63-foot pad includes 22 sprayheads, with water features ranging from gentle bubblers for toddlers to sprays reaching up to six feet high. It’s a popular summer spot for local families, offering a safe and refreshing way to cool off during the warmer months.
Children under 10 must be supervised by an adult, and no lifeguard is on duty. Splash pad users are expected to follow posted safety rules, including no running, rough play or glass containers in the area. Food is limited to picnic tables and grassy spots—no eating is allowed in the splash zone itself.
The splash pad opened in 2014 thanks to a unique community effort. Mortenson Construction volunteered to build the project as a gift to the community, with support from CPRD and donated materials and labor from local residents and businesses.
For updates on closures due to maintenance or weather, visit cprdnewberg.org or check CPRD’s Splashpad page. To report a maintenance issue, call 503-537-2909.
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