Give Time and Stuff

Hands On and DonorsResource.org align during tough times

By Andy Nelson, Executive Director

It didn't take long for Della Rae and I to realize that, besides once being neighbors, we had something in common.

Della is founder of DonorsResource.org, an organization that matches nonprofit organizations with donations of so-called "in-kind" items, such as furniture, books or kitchen ware. Hands On connects volunteers with service opportunities in partnership with dozens of nonprofits.

Della and I realized that if teamed up, we could meet more needs together than we could alone. So that's what we've done. Hands On Greater Portland and DonorsResource.org are forming a partnership that encourages people to "Give time and stuff." Give time by volunteering with Hands On. Give stuff by working with DonorsResource.org to find a home for your, well, stuff.

We're holding a networking event on Thursday, March 5, from 5:30-7 pm here at Hands On (1621 NW 21st Ave.) to introduce nonprofit organizations to what we are doing. Our hope is that nonprofits can access both of our organizations by finding either of us. That's what we hope for people, too. Volunteers with Hands On might be moved to donate via DonorsResource.org. And vice versa.

The difficult economic times motivated us to form our partnership. Needs in our community have never been greater. At the same time, volunteering has never been more popular. Here at Hands On, we are making record number of volunteer connections over the past few weeks. To keep up with demands amid declining resources, Hands On is focusing on its core services, streamlining its resources and looking for collaborations, like this one with DonorsResource.org. By working together to encourage people to "Give time and stuff" we leverage each other's networks and get more people helping.

It's great to be working with Della again. A few years ago, back when our kids were toddlers, we lived next door to each other. I've always admired Della's drive and vision. DonorsResource.org is a great idea, and a resource that we've needed for a long time.

Meanwhile, Hands On is working on additional ways to streamline, focus and collaborate amid these tough difficult times. Needs are great. Volunteers want to help. Hands On is the bridge between people who want to help and community needs. Our services have never been in greater need. Collaborations like this one with DonorsResource.org are allowing us to seize this unique moment in time.