In this season of giving, it was nice to see the Montavilla Neighborhood Association approve $800 for two of the neighborhood’s struggling families this week.
With two free stores in East Portland Saturday, and a Friday food pantry at Highland Church (on Glisan, from 76th – 78th), and word that MNA board member serves at a local shelter… I’m grateful for the generosity of our neighbors and wonder what else is available.
Are you part of, or know of, a church or organization offering assistance to those in need? I’ll be reaching out to churches this week to see what’s available, and it’s be good to get a head start from readers.
FRIDAY
In these days of winter weather and frozen streets, it’s a good time to explore your neighborhood venues.
It’s always a rowdy good time at Monavilla Station. On Friday Frankie West is on the stage, underneath the dangling musical instruments and 45 records. 417 SE 80th Ave * 9 pm? * free
SATURDAY 
St. Peter and Paul Church is hosting the Occupy PDX free store. *** because of the weather, the free store has been moved to Tuesday, 1 pm – 3 pm *** They’ll have free gift wrapping and are serving a free lunch the flyer says: “Occupy PDX Free Store: Bring / take home gifts / clothes / gloves / books / CDs DVDs / vinyl / gift soaps / games / toys / housewares / stuffed animals / coats. No $$ No Barter.” 247 SE 82nd Ave * 1 – 3 pm * free
***
Lents Free Store, recently celebrating its first anniversary, is open Saturday. They’ve been open nearly every month and have distributed about 16,000 articles of clothing, according to this nice story in East PDX News. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 4244 SE 91st Ave * noon – 2 pm * free
SUNDAY
Montavilla “Winter Stock Up” Farmers Market “Winter is on its way here but it doesn’t mean Montavilla’s farmers market is on its way out! The two hour stock-up markets are here for you and the vendors you love with an extended season for shopping farm direct and local throughout the winter” 7600 block of SE Stark Street in the gravel lot across from Mr. Plywood * 11 am – 1 pm
***
There’s a free showing of Elf at Academy Theater! It’s the last event of Frosty Fest and also the last day to vote for your Favorite Window Display on the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association Facebook page. METBA is also collecting winter clothes for JOIN. 7818 SE Stark * 5 pm * free
Village Portland 