Starting at 10 a.m., agencies including Sponsors, White Bird, The Eugene Mission and First Christian Church@@checked all on google@@ gathered at West University Police Substation on 791 East 13th Ave. to receive numerous donations from community members and city departments. The charity was organized by Officer Randy Ellis@@checked@@ and other Eugene police officers.
Ellis started the program four years ago when he decided to help the homeless he encountered while working in West University District. After starting completely on his own, Ellis eventually solicited help from the Eugene Police Department and the community at large. This year, the amount of clothing donated has doubled in comparison to the last with cash donations amounting to nearly $7,000.
“It’s grown every year. Dramatically,” said Ellis.
Among the items donated and purchased locally by Ellis are new sleeping bags, blankets and shoes. Ellis was also able to purchase children’s clothes for the first time to be given to The Eugene Mission. In addition to providing for those living on a day-by-day basis, the donations will hopefully contribute to the overall safety of the community.
“If people can get some stuff, they’re less likely to steal stuff,” Ellis said.
“We’re incredibly grateful,” said Theya McCown,@@checked@@ director of the women’s program at Sponsors, a re-entry program for individuals newly released from prison.
McCown explained that over half of those released are homeless because they usually start with a bus ticket purchased by the prison and nothing else. The clothes Sponsors received will be used to provide program participants with clothes for job interviews on top of more basic needs like keeping them warm throughout the day. Prior to starting the charity, Ellis has worked with Sponsors throughout the years as an officer and community member.
“If you see a need and you have the ability to fulfill that need and you don’t, that’s wrong,” Ellis said.