Care for God's Creation

Updated: 11/16/20

One way that God reveals himself to us is through his creation.

"We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored" (USCCB).

Students are expected to take the lead in planning this project. Below are some agencies that focus on caring for God's Creation, with missions that focus on stewardship of creation, or care for the environment (which in turn, translates to care for our brothers and sisters). Many of these agencies continue to host outdoor volunteer events with COVID safety precautions in place. 

Students, please review and discuss these options with a parent/guardian, and remember that there are many options to complete the freshman service project from the safety of your home. Please see your Theology teacher, Ms. Casey, or Mr. Kato if you have any questions.

Forest Park Conservancy

Volunteers are at the heart of Forest Park Conservancy. From removing invasive plants to repairing trails, we could not do our work without the support of hard working, caring people, community groups and businesses. Each year, FPC recruits and trains 1,000 volunteers who log more than 7,000 hours in Forest Park. If you and your family regularly use the trails in Forest Park, consider giving the gift of your time to help maintain this natural gift in our community.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge

This organization is dedicated entirely to ensuring that the beautiful and wild Columbia Gorge remains a place apart, unspoiled treasure for generations to come. Friends’ conservation work is driven by members, volunteers, and activists. There are many ways to join the community of Gorge enthusiasts. If you and your family regularly enjoy the natural beauty of the Columbia Gorge, consider giving the gift of your time to help maintain the trails and natural beauty.

Friends of Trees

Volunteers of all ages and experience levels are welcome at our community tree planting events. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and be prepared to have fun! Sign up online. Lots of locations and dates available. 

Garden Partners

The mission of Garden Partners is "To enhance the health and well-being of individuals through participation in community based, therapeutic gardening programs." They work not only with retired senior citizens but also anyone feeling isolated or recovering from grief. Participants do a variety of projects from propagating seeds, working with someone in their garden, to assembling trellises and planters.

L’Arche Portland Christmas Tree Sales!

L'Arche Portland is a community of people with and without disabilities where adults with intellectual disabilities (core members) and caregivers (assistants) share life together. L'Arche Portland has a vast community of supporters in Oregon and beyond, and recently opened up a new home in Beaverton (near Holy Trinity Catholic Church). During the holidays, L'Arche Portland holds an annual Christmas Tree Sale as a fundraiser at two locations in the Hollywood and Montavilla neighborhoods. Volunteers are needed to assist customers as they select trees. Students must be accompanied by an 18+ year old adult.

SOLVE

SOLVE has ongoing volunteer opportunities relating to environmental stewardship: tree-plantings, ivy-pulls, etc. On the second Saturday of the month, they host litter clean-ups as well. The projects they coordinate cover a wide range in Multnomah and Washington Counties. Visit their website for details. Sign up online.

Trailkeepers of Oregon

Today, almost all Oregon trails on public lands are maintained by volunteers. From team building events, to trail parties, and organizing behind the scenes, there’s a way everyone can help. Volunteer opportunities are open to anyone. All equipment and training is provided—and no particular skills are required.

Urban Gleaners

  • Contact: JaneAnn Morton or Tracey Oseran
  • Phone: 503-226-8061
  • Email: urbangleaners@gmail.com
  • Website: http://urbangleaners.org/

Who We Are: Urban Gleaners is a volunteer organization that picks up perishable surplus food from restaurants and markets and delivers it to local rescue agencies that feed the hungry. How you can help: We are always looking for more sources of food and more volunteers to help. Generally we ask that volunteers take on a weekly route, which involves both pick-up and delivery of rescued food. An example of a route currently in existence is every Wednesday we pick up food from the Raleigh Hills New Seasons and deliver it to the Sunshine Pantry in Beaverton.