Gratitude is something extraordinary. At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we understand its profound power and aim to reflect it in all aspects of our work. We recognize that our mission is only achievable because of the unwavering support of our community partners, and gratitude is at the heart of everything we do. Together with our nonprofit collaborators, we create opportunities and close gaps. With the support of corporate partners and individual donors, we strengthen resilience in our community. And with the encouragement of community members, we continue to pursue a more equitable world.
In November 2024, we carried this spirit of gratitude into the second year of our special tradition. We reached out to 30 of our community partners, corporate partners, community members, staff, and volunteers, asking them the heartfelt question, “What are you grateful for?” The responses were just as inspiring, heartfelt, and powerful as before. We invite you to explore the reflections shared by these incredible individuals and take a moment to ask yourself, “What am I grateful for?"
MOLLY ASH
"I'm grateful for my dogs, because they keep me sane, and I'm grateful that I get to work at a place that makes such a big difference like the Children's Book Bank."
ALICE FORBES
We are grateful for all the members of the community who come out and support local kids. And for our years of support from United Way's Hands On Greater Portland and the hundreds of volunteers they've brought through our doors.
MARIO TORRES
Well today, I'm feeling very grateful for you guys, United Way! Thanks for coming here to help us at the New Beginnings Market. This volunteer group just freed up about two weeks of work for us, so we're very grateful to have you all here today!
LOU LE
The things I am grateful for are endless: our staff, the work we do, every single person that comes to the farm, this land that holds us, and everyone who supports us. I am grateful that we get to collectively create.
SHAMMRA LACY
I feel incredibly grateful for both my family and my work. My family is my foundation, filled with endless love, strength, and support, even when life throws its hardest challenges our way.
GWENN WYSLING
I am grateful for a community that shows they care through action.
NANDA RAMOS
I feel gratitude for a lot of things in my life, but first and foremost, the gifts that Mother Earth gives me and everyone else. Just constant gratitude for the trees and the air that we get to breathe.
DESTINY MAGANA-PABLO
I am grateful for the community I have found myself in and the spaces I have helped cultivate.
CARSON HERR
I'm grateful just being in a position to be able to give back. I try and get myself out there more and try and be more proactive and make a positive difference.