Not too late to help homeless and needy this Christmas
Union Gospel Mission in need of clothing, food during holiday season

Portland, OR- Christmas is only seven days away, but it's not too late to lend a helping hand to Portland's homeless and needy this holiday season. Union Gospel Mission is planning a Christmas Day brunch and still needs hams to be donated for the meal. Winter clothing is also a needed item, not only for Christmas but also throughout the cold months of winter.

Union Gospel Mission and Pizza Schmizza have partnered to make donating winter clothing both easy and fun. Bring winter clothing items to greater Portland-area Pizza Schmizza locations, and receive a coupon for a free slice of pizza. Union Gospel Mission is seeking donations of coats, hats, gloves and socks. Donation barrels will be available at Pizza Schmizza locations until December 31. (participating locations attached)

"We give away clothing almost every day at the Mission. Obviously, this time of year, it is important that we have warm winter clothing on hand for those in need. We are planning our annual Christmas brunch, and we hope to give the homeless and needy a great meal and a nice Christmas. We also provide dinner every weeknight, so food donations are needed and appreciated," said Bill Russell, Union Gospel Mission Executive Director.

Donations of hams and other food donations can be dropped off at Union Gospel Mission at 15 NW Third Ave., Portland.

The Christmas brunch for the homeless and needy will take place at Union Gospel Mission at 15 NW Third Ave., in Portland on December 25 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Last year, Union Gospel Mission served 644 meals at the Christmas brunch.

About Union Gospel Mission: Union Gospel Mission has been "feeding the hungry and restoring the addict" since 1927. Union Gospel Mission provides meals for the homeless and needy and operates LifeChange, a long-term addiction recovery community. In LifeChange, residents live and work at Union Gospel Mission for two to four years and learn to overcome addiction and build new lives. For more information about Union Gospel Mission and LifeChange contact 503-274-4483, or visit online at www.ugmportland.org.

Note: please see list of participating Pizza Schmizza locations:

STORE NAME ADDRESS CITY

• Tanasbourne 18021 NW Evergreen Pkwy. Beaverton
• Beaverton 11900 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. Beaverton
• Broadway 1422 NE Broadway Portland
• Gresham 1058 NW Sleret Ave. Gresham
• Mall 205 9900 SE Washington Portland
• Barnes Road 7535 SW Barnes Rd. Portland
• Multnomah 7828 SW 35th Ave. Portland
• Sunset 405 NW Saltzman Rd. Portland
• Raleigh Hills 9206 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. Beaverton
• Pearl 1036 NW Glisan St. Portland
• Hillsboro Airport 891 NE 25th Ave. Hillsboro
• Twenty-One 320 NW 21st Ave. Portland
• Riverplace 1811 SW River Dr. #100 Portland
• West Linn 21700 Salamo Rd. West Linn
• Taylor 512 SW Taylor St. Portland
• Hawthorne 3433 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland
• Oak Grove 14624 SE McLoughlin Blvd. Milwaukie
• 82nd 9495 SE 82nd Ave. Portland