Thursday, February 26, 2009

COMPLETED Project 15 Pick up/delivery for Paws to Freedom

COMPLETED 2/28: Taking a break from helping dismantle the shop for project 8, Trevor and Michelle headed out to Beaverton to pick up the file cabinets donated to Paws to Freedom. Upon arrival we realized the file cabinets were bigger than expected. There was a standard 4 drawer, a small two drawer and a behemoth 5 drawer lateral cabinet. Luckily the person donating them had a hand cart to get them to the truck as we did not bring one.

When we arrived in SE Portland we stopped by the Safeway on Woodstock to see if they would let us borrow a hand truck to unload the file cabinets. They were agreeable but only had one that was currently being used to process their shipment.

Next we went to Bi-Mart with the same request. They stated they could not due to the liability issue.

Our third attempt paid off. We went to Ace Hardware on SE Woodstock in Portland. We spoke with Erin and after we explained who we were and what we were doing he offered to not charge for rental of the hand truck as long as we left a deposit that we could collect when the hand truck was returned. That was great!! It made short work of unloading the truck.

Honestly-we don't know what we would have done without them. Once again, it just goes to show that good people are out there. Thank you so much Erin. We couldn't have done it without your help. And thanks to Trevor who, once again donated his truck, time and gas to help others.


Paws to Freedom was so impressed with We've Got Time to Help that they have requested our help again.

Another kind person, who is closing their office, has donated some file cabinets and they have asked for our help picking them up near Barbur Blvd and Capital Highway and delivering them to Paws to Freedom in SE Portland. The person donating is willing to open the office for our volunteers this Saturday to pick up the items.

Anyone have time to help on Saturday? It may not take a truck but will need a larger vehicle such as a SUV or station wagon. Email us at wevegottimetohelp@q.com or call 503-953-6018 if you are interested. We have photos of the items if you want to see if they will fit in your vehicle.

COMPLETED Project 14 Chess Anyone?

UPDATE 4/1: Aric has been going out there to teach the children chess. There are 3 kids that are showing an interest! Thanks so much Aric for volunteering for this great project.

UPDATE 3/20: Aric headed out to help with this yesterday. As soon as we get an update we will let everyone know how it went. Aric-feel free to post a comment or send us an email to let us know how it is going!!

Anyone interested in teaching chess to children? We have had a request from someone who works in a family homeless shelter in East Portland. They are looking for someone who can teach the children staying in the shelter how to play chess. They have procured boards and lesson plans from another nonprofit organization called Chess for Success and just need someone (whether you know chess or not) to come in twice a week from 3:30-5 ideally on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. You don't have to know chess just a desire to learn and teach. This shelter is looking for someone to come on an ongoing basis, not just a one time event. Know chess, want to learn and teach chess?? Email us wevegottimetohelp@q.com or give us a call at 503-953-6018.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

COMPLETED Project 13 Community Gardens, Community Gardens Everywhere!

UPDATE 6/16: We had a lot of different requests for help with community gardens. Our volunteers helped out where they could. We want to thank everyone who helped with any of the community gardens!! Thank you so much for all that each and every one of you does!!

We have had a lot of calls for community garden building projects. We have 3 different ones in the works right now, one of them being quite large! If you have a green thumb or you just want to get your hands dirty, please call 503-953-6018 or email wevegottimetohelp@q.com

Thank you!!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

COMPLETED Project 12 Fence Building 101

UPDATE 3/20: Aaron found some more free time and finished this project all by himself!! Thanks Aaron. What would we do without you!!

UPDATE 3/5: Aaron had a few free hours today so he went out and was able to get all of the slats put up. Way to go, Aaron!! The only thing remaining is installing the gate kit and building the gate that goes with the kit. Aaron even got the hole dug for the posts for the gates. Anyone have time to help finish this project? Just give us a call or send us an email!! We would like to finish this as soon as possible so the woman get let her little dog run free in the yard again!

UPDATE 2/26: We will be heading back out next week on Wednesday or Thursday to put up the fence boards. If you are interested please give us a call. We could always use more help!!

UPDATE 2/22: Michelle, Seth and Randall got the frame of the fence put up. All the holes are dug and the concrete is poured. All that's left is to attach the fence slats and the project will be completed!

UPDATE 2/16: We are headed out to Troutdale this Saturday the 21st! Call Seth at 503-953-6018 for times, address and directions. Thank you!!

We just received a call from Aaron, one of our volunteers, and he just heard about a woman in Troutdale who had a 40 foot section of her fence destroyed. Her neighbors have all chipped in and purchased the fencing materials but they need some help with the labor. I am waiting for the woman to call me with specifics (date, time, etc.) but anyone who wants to volunteer for this is more than welcome!

This is definitely more of a labor job than a technical one. Who's got time to help?

Email wevegottimetohelp@q.com or call 503-953-6018 if you want to help.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

COMPLETED Project 11 Pick up/Delivery-TV

UPDATE 2/17: James and Seth went out to Beaverton today, picked up the TV and delivered it to Paws to Freedom in SE Portland. They are an entirely volunteer organization training disabled people to train their own service dogs and needed the TV to watch training videos. They were so appreciative of We've Got Time to Help they are going to put us up as a link on their own website! Thanks to everyone involved in this project!!

UPDATE 2/15: We are scheduled to pick up and deliver on Tuesday the 17th. Anyone wanting to help out on this, just give me a call at 503-953-6018. Thanks!

Someone has donated a 32" (rumored 176lb) television to Paws to Freedom for their training services. The TV is in Aloha (near Baseline and Cornelius Pass).

The TV needs to be picked up and then delivered to Paws to Freedom in SE near 39th Ave. They could really use this TV and we could really use a truck and a body or two to help make this happen.

Email wevegottimetohelp@q.com or call 503-953-6018.

Friday, February 13, 2009

CANCELLED Project 10 Food Drive

UPDATE: Due to the unexpected requests for help we are taking this off the table for now. If we slow down and have some free time we will take this back up! Thanks to everyone who was willing to help.

UPDATE 3/9: Since the meet and greet is scheduled for March 18th we will discuss this project at the meet and greet to select another date.

UPDATE 02/25: We are holding our first ever FOOD DRIVE on March 18th to benefit the Oregon Food Bank! We will have a booth/table set-up so that people can drop off items and, we will have a small group(s) that will go door to door. We will have business cards and flyers that you can hand out on that day, and we are working on getting everyone T-shirts for the event! Please let me know if you want to be involved! 503-953-6018.

Let's all plan to get out next week and do a group community project! I think that we could put up a pretty good food drive for the Oregon Food Bank. But I would love to hear what everyone else thinks.

Just let me know. If you like this idea or you can think of a project that a bunch of us can do next week, just email wevegottimetohelp@q.com or call 503-953-6018.

COMPLETED Project 9 Auto Repair

UPDATE 4/1: We had a new volunteer to the group offer to help repair this vehicle. Since our original contact with this woman the van has developed a few other problems but Jed is more than willing to take this on. Thanks for all your hard work Jed!!

We need to find someone who is capable of repairing a vehicle (minivan) for a young woman. It runs but it won't pass DEQ. She was told that the points are misfiring and that the gas is too rich? Having no auto mechanical skills, I have no clue what this means, but I'm sure someone out there does.

If you can help, just email wevegottimetohelp@q.com or call 503-953-6018.

COMPLETED Project 8 Small Local Business to Close Doors

UPDATE 3/9: The owners of this business, with the help of our volunteers, were able to get the rest of the supplies and equipment out of the building. Thanks to everyone who helped with this one. It was the best volunteer turn out we have had to date!

UPDATE 3/2: Seth went back out today to help wrap this up. They tore down more equipment, moved more items to storage and cleared out all the garbage. We are waiting to hear if they need help. As soon as we hear any additional news we will let everyone know. Thanks again to all the volunteers who worked on this with us!

UPDATE 2/28: First of all, thank you to all of the volunteers that showed up to help, especially on such short notice. Lynn, Aric and Jenn, Mel, Trevor, Seth and Michelle all showed up to help out a family business tear down their shop. Margena and Rodger from King's Embroidery also donated about a dozen shirts with We've Got Time to Help's new logo embroidered on them. Margena and Rodger worked late into the night on Friday, just to make sure that they could have our shirts ready for us. Thank so much to King's Embroidery!!

We wish we could have been there under different circumstances or for a happier occasion. But, unfortunately, Modern Color was one of the latest casualties in this economic downturn. They are a great group of people who deserved more than to have to shut their doors.

So, the volunteers started showing up around 9am and immediately got to work. Anything from talking loads of trash to the huge dumpster to dismantling equipment. Everyone was a great help! We didn't get all of it done, but we made a big dent. Seth is going back out there Monday, March 2nd (tomorrow), to help out some more. Anyone is more than welcome to give us a call at 503-953-6018 if you'd like to help out this week. There is more moving to be done and more breakdown of equipment that needs to happen. Just give us a call or email if you're interested.

The owners of Modern Color also said that they are going to try and open up a smaller shop ASAP. They are hoping to be operational in their new location within a week or so. Please keep them in mind if you need any signs or banners or you know of someone who could use their service.

Thanks again to everyone for helping out on this! You are much more appreciated than words can say.

UPDATE 2/28: The business is called Modern Color and is located at 6132 NE 114th. This is near airport way. If anyone can help this Saturday, the 28th, please let us know immediately! Email us at wevegottimetohelp@q.com or call us at 503-953-6018. Or just show up!! Any time, no matter how, small will help this family in their time of need.

Does anyone have time to help this family?


UPDATE 2/26: It is with a sad heart that we announce that this small local company has to close it's doors. It is a small family run business that can no longer stay in business with the economy in its current state. What they need now is immediate help moving the equipment out of the building. They have a storage unit, a truck with a lift gate rented, pallets and pallet jacks. All they need is help getting everything out. Their entire family worked for this business and are now all unemployed.
If anyone can help this Saturday, the 28th, please let us know immediately!! Email us at wevegottimetohelp@q.com or call us at 503-953-6018.


One of our volunteers has a local sign and banner making business that is hurting because of the economy. I would like to get a small group of volunteers together to get out in our neighborhoods and try to get them some more business.

We could canvas just about anywhere and I have some specific companies that I want to contact.

If anyone wishes to help on this project, just email wevegottimetohelp@q.com or call 503-953-6018.

CANCELLED Project 7 Business Vendor Fair

UPDATE 4/3: Well, the world turns and the universe evolves. Seth arrived first today at this event. Their were changes that we were unprepared for and unable to accommodate so we are unable to participate in this event. We thank all of the volunteers that were willing to help out. There is an all nonprofit/community organization event scheduled for June that we will need volunteers to spread the good word so keep up the good work and keep checking back!! This world is a better place for each and everyone of you doing what you do. Thank you again.

UPDATE 4/2: This event is sneaking up quick!! We still have quite a few two hour shifts we need covered. Any help at all is greatly appreciated. Does anyone Have Time to Help?? It is really easy. We will just be talking to people about what we do, why we do it and how they can help or be helped.

UPDATE 3/20: The time is getting near!! We have had a couple of more people volunteer to help with this one. Thanks Randall and Julie!! There is always space for more. Anyone else interested?

UPDATE 2/16: We have had one volunteer so far, anyone else interested?

One of our volunteers has donated a booth at a Business Vendor Fair in April at Jantzen Beach.
April 3rd from 5pm to 9pm
April 4th from 9am to 9pm
April 5th from 10am to 6pm

I am looking for a few people to be at the booth with me (I will be there all 3 days), spreading the word, handing out business cards and flyers and just getting the word out about what we do! You can volunteer for as little or as much as you like.

Anyone up for it?

Email me at wevegottimetohelp@q.com or call 503-953-6018! Thanks

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Project 6 Publicity for We've Got Time to Help

UPDATE 5/18: Abby, a reporter for the Oregonian, contacted us looking to write an article about We've Got Time to Help. We will be talking to her shortly and we will let everyone know when the story is published!!

UPDATE 5/15: We've Got Time to Help was contacted by Guidepost Magazine. Seth was interviewed over the phone and We've Got Time to Help will be featured in their September issue.

UPDATE 5/9: We received an email from a person in Idaho. She indicated she had read about us on the Huffington Post website and was impressed with what we were doing in Oregon. We said "WHAT?". We didn't know we were on the Huffington Post. How cool is that??? You can read the article here. And a big thanks to Joanie Calder, who is the volunteer coordinator for the International Rescue Committee (www.theIRC.org) in Boise. They are like minded people working for the greater good. Thanks for letting us know, Joanie, and keep up the good work!

UPDATE 5/6: The KATU article was published today. Check it out in the Mind and Money page when you have chance.

UPDATE 4/28: We've Got Time to Help was contacted by Nancy Woods from KATU. She wanted to interview us for an online article about what we are doing. We had a phone interview today. She indicated that the article would be posted on the Mind and Money page of KATU.com sometime next week so keep your eyes peeled!! As soon as it is posted we will include a link. As always, we appreciate this opportunity to get the word out about We've Got Time to Help!!

UPDATE 4/13: The Think Out Loud interview aired today and we have had a great response! So many new people offering up help to others. Take a moment to listen when you have a spare moment.

UPDATE 4/10: We were contacted last week by Sarah Rothenfluch from Oregon Public Broadcasting's show, Think Out Loud. This is such a great opportunity for us to get the word out about what we do and how we can help people. The show will run from 9am-10am on Monday. Please, spread the word and let anyone in your community know that we are here to help them in any way we can. Sarah's approach to this story is fitting the pieces of our community into a larger social puzzle. She will also be interviewing a prior customer of Modern Color (the small business that we helped close their doors) and how he had to reduce his advertising budget which directly affected Modern Color; how Desi Miller and crew turned Modern Color into Moso Graphics; how Michelle and I (Seth) turned unemployment into a positive experience and how a laid-off heavy equipment operator used F.I.D.O. (Friends Involved in Dog Outreach) to help him provide food for his animal allowing him to keep his pets instead of having to turn them over to a shelter. If you have time please listen to this informative community driven program.

UPDATE 4/3: On Friday, we were interviewed by the owners/creators of the new Portland Upside newspaper. This is a phenomenal newspaper that highlights nothing but positive, uplifting stories from around the Portland community. No death, crime or negative news. No religion, politics or opinions will be voiced here. Just positive stories about individuals and groups that are making their communities better places to live. Please, check them out and, tell everyone you know that the first issue will be out on May 8th, 2009.

UPDATE 3/31: We've Got Time to Help was contacted by Goodness Magazine , a publication from Portland Family Magazine. As their website states, 'Their Goodness Mission is to showcase the many positive accomplishments of those from our community; to use media and each issue of Goodness to create a sense of hopefulness, not helplessness; to preserve the art of storytelling and illuminate the everyday compassion we have for one another.' They have interviewed us and we will be featured in an upcoming issue. The person who interviewed us also posted on her blog about what we do and why we do it. We appreciate this gesture of good will and faith in humanity! Please check out what she has to say about We've Got Time to Help at http://suchlovelyfreckles.blogspot.com/2009/03/when-good-people-do-good-things.html
Don't forget to check out what the magazine Goodness Magazine is about, as well. We love and agree wholeheartedly with their mission!!

UPDATE 3/22: The article for the Chronicle of Philanthropy magazine has been published!! It was really well written and, hopefully, will give us some good publicity. They also mentioned Paws to Freedom. We hope this sends good things their way, as well. The article gives lots of examples of how others across the country are working towards a similar goal. It is great to see others similarly getting involved. You can read the article here: http://philanthropy.com/free/articles/v21/i10/10002601.htm

UPDATE 3/9: We have been contacted by an upstart magazine dedicated to finding the good in Portland. Specifically, people, organizations, and events in the metro area that are making a difference and contributing positively to the community. This magazine is called The Portland Upside. Michelle and Seth will be interviewed today for an article in their first issue! You can check out their website at http://portlandupside.com/home.html

UPDATE 3/6: We ran across another wonderfully written article at http://choosemogo.org/2009/03/06/webspotlight-weve-got-time-to-help/ We were not aware of this article and just love the fact people are starting to talk about who we are and what we do. This is wonderful!

UPDATE 2/25: We were contacted by Brennan Jensen who is a reporter for a magazine called Chronicle of Philanthropy. This is a national bi-weekly newspaper covering the nonprofit world. He ran across our blog while researching a story about laid-off workers and jobless college grads turning to volunteerism. He contacted us to learn more about our efforts in Oregon. Seth did a phone interview with this reporter today. We can't wait to see the final story!! Here is a link to their website. http://philanthropy.com/

UPDATE 2/18: We stumbled across a story on We've Got Time to Help at http://community.portlandneighborhood.com/forum/topics/weve-got-time-to-help We were unaware of this fabulous coverage before hand and really appreciate Lorri for this wonderful write-up about our efforts.

UPDATE 2/6: Michelle and Seth were interviewed by Bridget at KBOO radio today. She stumbled across the blog and thought it was a great concept. Here is the link to the interview.
http://kboo.fm/node/12082

We need to get the word out about We've Got Time to Help! We need to make sure that we are reaching as many people in need as possible. So, if you have any media contacts or you just want to help with getting the word out about us, please call 503-953-6018 or email wevegottimetohelp@q.com

We can also do things like putting up posters/signs around town about us or hold community gatherings to spread the word. If you have any other ideas, please let us know!

COMPLETED Project 5 Auto Work-Thanks Hall!

UPDATE 02/25: A BIG thank you to Hall as he helped these people get their cars back on the road!

We have 2 different calls for help for people with a need for auto mechanics. One woman is in NE Portland and the other is in SE. Any mechanics out there? Call 503-953-6018 or email wevegottimetohelp@q.com to get started!

COMPLETED Project 4 Plumbing Electrical NE Portland

A family that owns a home in the Gateway area of Portland needs some plumbing and electrical work done to her home before they can put it on the market. They also run a business that is hurting right now. They have donated a lot of time and materials to We've Got Time to Help and I would love to be able to help these folks out. Call 503-953-6018 or email wevegottimetohelp@q.com to get started on this Project!

COMPLETED Project 3 Community Garden 1

UPDATE 3/20: We had trouble coordinating help with this project. We were never able to get volunteers available when Rachel was available so she ended up completing this one on her own. Sorry we were unable to help Rachel.

UPDATE: 02/25: The majority of the work is done now. There is still some left to do and so Rachel will call and let me know what days she'll need help!

UPDATE 02/16: Rachel wrote to us today and said that they got 7 beds built and are going to build 2 more! Soil is coming tomorrow, and we have a couple of volunteers headed out there on Wed. the 18th. She also would like to put up a fence around the gardens, so it would be great to get a few more hands on this one. This is another one of those projects that may not interest you but we have others who could help if we could get them transportation. Anyone??

Update: She has purchased some cedar for the beds and is getting dirt delivered this weekend. Her name is Rachel and her phone number is (503)740-4418. We can go out there one by one or as a group.

We have a woman who has 2 homes on a large lot. She wants to build some raised beds for a community-type garden. She runs a daycare during the week but she is available to help on the weekends. She would love to get going on this project this weekend. Anyone available?

It's also rumored that she would make a mean soup and biscuits for people helping out!

Project 2 Roofing NE Portland

UPDATE 2/18: Aaron and Seth went to view this job today. Their first estimate is that we will need four to five people and it will take about four hours.
We are going to call around to see if we can get them some discounted shingles. We will let everyone know when we have a date for this project.

UPDATE: We are going to look at the roof on Thursday the 19th. All who were interested in this project, just give me a call at 503-953-6018 for more details.

We have a family that's hurting right now. They have a small portion of their roof that (probably) needs a complete tear-off. We have 3 volunteers for this right now, so I think we are good on this one!

COMPLETED Project 1 House Organization

UPDATE: This woman just wanted to say thanks to Mel and Julie for helping her get organized. It was a great help and mood lifter for her. Once again-Thanks Mel and Julie!!

UPDATE 2/18: Julie Y. and Mel went out and helped this woman today. A big thanks to both of you!! They made a huge dent in getting her organized. Most of what is still outstanding is sorting through paperwork and deciding what she needs to keep. If anyone is interested please let us know.

UPDATE 2/16: We have 1 definite volunteer to go out on Wednesday the 18th. I would love to have at least one more to help! Even if this is not your cup of tea we have a couple of other volunteers who would help if we could get them transportation. Anyone interested?

UPDATE: The lovely woman called me this morning and she is ready for help! Call me if you are interested in helping her organize her home! 503-953-6018.

A woman in Oregon City needs some help going through her belongings in her home and getting them organized. She then wants to figure out what can be donated, what can be kept and then what can be sold. If there are some items to sell, she will need help with getting them posted on the Internet. We probably need 3 people for this project. Thanks!

Seth