Positive Change for the Future

As we look back at the last three years, we feel overwhelmed with gratitude for our amazing owners and shoppers. Since we started the Positive Change program in January of 2019, we’ve donated a total of $89,568.24 to two dozen local nonprofit organizations and three local fire relief funds. Your spare change is making a real impact, and we want to thank you for your donations and support. It takes all of us to create the kind of positive change that actively builds community and networks of support.

Last May, owners elected eleven recipients for the 2022 Positive Change program in the annual election. We’re excited to support the vital work of these organizations in the coming year.

This January, we’re creating Positive Change for Rogue Retreat. Funds raised will provide meals for residents of the Kelly Shelter and the Temporary Urban Campground.

In February, the Positive Change program will support Community Works. Funds will be used to support the basic needs for individuals and families at the Dunn House Shelter.

The Children’s Advocacy Center is the Positive Change recipient in March. Funds will support direct service programs, which are provided at no charge to families referred to the agency.

In April, we create Positive Change for KS Wild (The Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center). Funds will be used to conduct community outreach and education in support of clean water and wildlife.

The Bee Girl Organization is the May recipient of the Positive Change program, and funds support their Regenerative Bee Pasture project through the purchase of tools and seeds.

Positive Change funds will help train and support new volunteers for CASA of Jackson County in June.

In July, SoHumane will receive Positive Change funds to support displaced pets with food, toys, and bedding while they await their forever homes.

In August, Our Family Farms will receive Positive Change funds to support general operations and educational programs like Weed Control Alternatives to Plastic, Seed Saving, and on-farm workshops.

Funds will support the school garden program at Rogue Valley Farm to School in September.

In October, we’ll raise funds for MFC’s Cooperative Community Fund (MCCF). This fund helps grow cooperative businesses across the country, while simultaneously supporting local nonprofits here in the Rogue Valley. In 2020, Unete received an MCCF grant, as did Pollinator Project Rogue Valley in 2021. The Board of Directors will select a recipient from this list to receive an additional grant from the MCCF in 2022.

November Positive Change funds will support the Maslow Project and help provide foundational basic needs like hygiene, food, and clothing for their clients.

And in December, the Positive Change program will support Habitat for Humanity Rogue Valley, with funds helping to purchase construction materials for homes to be built in the fire zones of Talent and Phoenix.

Here at the Co-op, we’re looking forward to supporting these incredible organizations throughout 2022 and we thank you in advance for your generous donations that make a real difference in the lives of our fellow community members. In addition to the funds rasied at checkout, each 2022 recipient will receive a $400 grant from the Co-op. And remember: recipients for 2023 will be on the ballot this spring – don’t miss the opportunity to cast your vote for your favorite nonprofits!

This article first appeared in the Winter 2022 issue of the Fresh Press newsletter.