EUGENE – St. Vinnie’s store customers can “round up” their purchases through Aug. 22 at the register in support of Project Hope, a back-to-school fundraiser to supply local K-12 students with new backpacks, shoes and socks for the coming school year. St. Vinnie’s locations in Eugene, Springfield, Junction City and Florence also have in-store donation barrels where community members can drop off those new, unused items for local students.
Project Hope is a program of One Hope Network offered through the school districts of Eugene, Springfield, Junction City and Florence. It will serve about 3,500 children from low-income families this year, culminating with the distribution of needed materials during five Project Hope Kids’ Fair Giveaways on Aug. 23-24.
St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County is among about 100 nonprofits, churches and businesses teaming with Project Hope for the 2025 giveaway.
“We are excited to support the very worthy cause that Project Hope represents,” said says Bethany Cartledge, executive director. “We encourage St. Vinnie’s shoppers to join us over the next couple of weeks to help local families send their kids back to school well-prepared for a happy, healthy year of learning and growth. As we’ve seen with so many financially distressed families in our shelter and housing programs, the confidence and academic performance of their kids can soar when they’re able to head back to school with new clothes and supplies.”
Visit Project Hope’s FAQ page to learn more: onehopenetwork.org/project-hope-faq
Application process underway for Selco grants
SELCO Community Credit Union will once again support educators with up to $125,000 through its two flagship educator programs, each designed to help teachers with classroom-related expenses.
The Regional Classroom Makeovers will fund three projects for up to $15,000 each. In addition, SELCO will award dozens of Creative Educator Grants, each worth up to $2,500 and designed to turn imaginative classroom projects into reality.
Educators can apply for both programs until Tuesday, Sept. 30.
“We were blown away by the number and quality of applications last year,” said Craig Carpenter, SELCO’s Senior VP of lending & business banking. “The impact these grants and makeovers had on classrooms was immediate and inspiring.
For more information about SELCO Steps Up Classroom Makeovers or Creative Educator Grants, to view past grant recipients, or to apply, visit selco.org/steps-up/student-and-educator-support. For questions, please email [email protected]
Creswell resident earns Dean’s List recognition
Hannah Fackler was named to Biola University’s Dean’s List for academic excellence. The school is in La Mirada, Calif. Fackler, a Music Performance major from Creswell, was one of approximately 1,500 students who were named to the Dean’s List in spring 2025.
Creswell school relocates to Cottage Grove, changes name Providence Christian Academy is now at 77820 Mosby Creek Rd. (former South Lane Christian School), in Cottage Grove. More info:
[email protected]
