Working Together with HP to Spread a Little Joy

The holidays were much brighter for five families that were the recipients of some unexpected and abundant generosity.

The HP Corvallis Women’s Network reached out to Community Services Consortium (CSC) to see if they could spread a little holiday cheer in the lives of some local families in need. CSC connected the HP Corvallis Women’s Network with five families in CSC’s Transitional Housing and Supportive Housing programs, which help to place families in to housing that are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The families were located in Philomath, Corvallis, Albany and Sweet Home.

Once the families were identified and there was a list of needed items, a site-wide communication was distributed to all Corvallis HP employees. The entire HP Corvallis site rallied. A surplus of gifts, including food for a complete holiday dinner, games, clothes, diapers, bicycles, gift cards, Christmas trees with decorations, and cash was donated.

Their Women’s Network only had one request: to meet and connect with the families. The Women’s Network hoped to have a stronger connection to the community and see first-hand the impact they could have through their efforts. They wanted to meet with the families and experience the joy and gratitude the families felt at receiving the contributions. The experience lived up to what they hoped for.

“I was privileged enough to get to deliver the gifts and tree to the Philomath family. They were extremely grateful for the kindness and generosity everyone showed. The best part was when 4-year-old Justin came running outside and started squealing with delight over the Christmas tree (and he hadn’t seen any of the presents yet!)” said Michelle Thompson.

The original plan was that each family would receive a tree, a food box, and gifts for the children and family. But once the HP Corvallis Women’s Network heard that these families had some additional needs, they sprang into action, rounding up items like firewood, a couch, and even a washing machine and dryer for some of the families.

“I helped deliver to one of the Sweet Home families. The family was extremely grateful, wanting to know the names of all of the folks who donated (we had to say the whole HP site!). We drove up and delivered a load of firewood in their driveway, and helped rearrange the dry and wet firewood. We brought in the presents, and then helped set the tree up. The Mom just couldn’t get over the “smell” of Christmas with the tree being in the house.” said Lauren Burkum.

Besides the amazing donations from HP Corvallis employees, generous donations came in from other businesses in the community as well.  At Home Furniture donated a couch and dresser, Sunrise Tree Farm donated the Christmas trees, and North Coast Electric donated the Christmas decorations.

 “The women from HP were so enthusiastic throughout the whole process. We are so thankful to have such great community partners that support not only CSC, but the individual families in need in our community.” said April Hein, CSC Housing Case Manager.

One of the missions of the HP Corvallis Women’s Network is to “Matter to our Community.” The purpose of the group is to create a strong, connected network in support of women reaching their potential. They seek to make a difference in the community where they live and work, and to increase HP’s visibility and impact in our local community. By enabling activities in which the women of HP Corvallis can participate, they create meaningful links to the communities in which they live.

Community Services Consortium (CSC) is the Community Action Agency serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties with housing, nutrition, economic stability, and educational assistance programs since 1980.

To support any of CSC’s poverty-fighting programs and services, visit our website at www.communityservices.us. Donations may be made through our website or mailed to our main office: Community Services Consortium, 245 Broadalbin Street, Suite 2A, Albany, OR 97321.