The Dalles Unites for Local Families This Holiday Season

Nov 14

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce:

By Lisa Farquharson

The Dalles, Ore., Nov. 11, 2025 — In response to the growing needs faced by local families, the The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul, has launched a community-wide collection drive to provide food, clothing, and toys for families in need this holiday season.

Many local businesses and organizations throughout The Dalles have stepped up to serve as collection locations, each hosting a large barrel for community donations.

Donation items accepted include:

• Non-perishable food items (please check expiration dates — no expired items)

• Gently Used Coats, hats, gloves (all sizes and types)

• Unwrapped NEW toys (for all ages)

• Plus, a QR code at each site for those wishing to make monetary donations

All donations and funds collected will stay right here in The Dalles, distributed directly by The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul to support local families. The Chamber team will coordinate weekly pickups and deliveries to make the process seamless for host locations.

Collection Sites:

• Meraki Beauty PNW: 406 E 2nd Street

• Still Waters Massage & Esthetics LLC: 203 Washington Street

• La Golosa Postre y mas, LLC: 623 E 2nd Street

• Brick City & Games: 318 E 2nd Street

• Sunshine Mill – Quenett Winery: 901 E 2nd Street

• Center Market: 1615 E 12th Street

• Columbia Gorge Honda & Toyota: 1800 W 6th Street

• Bargeway Pub & Catering: 1535 Bargeway Road

• 6th Street Station Food Cart Pod: 516 W 6th Street

• US Market: 516 W 9th Street

• Tonkin of the Gorge: 2222 W 6th Street

The sites (above) will be accepting donations through Wednesday, December 11, 2025

“Our community has always come together in times of need,” said Lisa Farquharson, President/CEO of The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce. “This drive is about more than donations — it’s about neighbors supporting neighbors and showing the heart of The Dalles.”

The Chamber will also release a Community Support List next week highlighting all local opportunities to give, including Angel Trees, Giving Trees, and donation drives across the area.

The community-wide spirit of giving is already in motion! Gorge Country Media, in partnership with NW Natural, Columbia Bank, Papa Murphy’s, Les Schwab, Grocery Outlet, and Coastal Farm & Ranch, is hosting Helping Hands Wednesdays each week from November 5 through December 10, from 7–9 a.m. at the Gorge Country Media studios, 620 E 3rd Street in The Dalles.

Through the generosity of volunteers and donors, they’ll be collecting gently used coats, hats, gloves, blankets, non-perishable food items, new toys, and cash donations — all to benefit The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul. Every donation stays local, directly supporting families in our community this holiday season.

Helping Hands collection partners include:

• Grocery Outlet: 1300 W 6th Street

• Columbia Bank: 316 E 3rd Street

• Coastal Farm & Ranch: 2600 6th Street

• Les Schwab: 2645 E 2nd Street

• Gorge Country Media: 620 E 3rd Street

• Papa Murphys: 1323 W 6th Street

For more information, contact The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce at 541-296-2231 or visit www.thedalleschamber.com

ABOUT THE DALLES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Since 1883, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce has been dedicated to promoting business growth, community engagement, and advocacy across the Columbia Gorge region. The Chamber provides value to its members through advocacy and leadership, promoting a vigorous economic climate for business, community, tourism, and education.