Phoenix, Ore. – Every community needs a hub, a place to go for a little help and support as needed, a place to connect with neighbors. The 1st Phoenix Community Center is just such a place. Located in this small community south of Medford, 1st Phoenix Community Center was founded in 2016 and is operated out of the Phoenix First Presbyterian Church.
The community center recently received a grant from the Avista foundation.
Among its many services is a very popular Saturday food pantry which provides fresh produce, pantry staples and household essentials, without too many questions asked. Everyone is welcome to stop in and get a little grocery help as needed.
The clothing closet opens on Saturdays and Wednesdays, and holds a wide selection of gently used men’s, women’s and children’s clothing that matches the season. Regular supply drives bring in toiletries and other personal care items.
The community kitchen serves a free dinner once a month. This meal is more of a community meal than a social service, and neighbors of all ages stop in for dinner and a chat.
The picturesque white church is the center of many of the community center’s activities including a popular bottle and can donation fundraiser.
The 1st Phoenix Community Center has an easy way people can donate non-perishable food items with its Green Bag Project. Donors get a special green bag to take grocery shopping, and they fill it with canned goods and other pantry stables. Every other month they simply put the full bag outside their front door, and a community center volunteer picks it up – and leaves a new green bag for the donor’s next shopping trip.
It's sort of like a Boy Scout food drive – every other month.
By mid-August, Green Bag donors had provided 1,430 pounds of food for the food pantry, and the green bags were going out to be filled once again.
At Avista, we recognize our unique position gives us the chance to contribute in an impactful way and make a real difference in people’s lives. Since 2002, the Avista Foundation has made grants totaling over $13 million to organizations that support vulnerable and limited income populations, education, and economic and cultural vitality. The foundation is a separate, non-profit organization established by Avista Corp., and does not receive funding from Avista Utilities’ customers through rates. For more information on grant applications and geographical areas covered, please visit avistafoundation.com.