Friendly Kitchen Launches Basket Raffle and Auction to Support Local Meal Deliveries

The Friendly Kitchen/Meals on Wheels of Roseburg has launched a gift basket raffle and silent auction to help fund meal deliveries for homebound seniors in Roseburg and Winchester.

The fundraiser opened Oct. 5 and runs through Dec. 11, with a goal of raising $7,500. Participants can purchase raffle tickets for themed gift baskets or bid on two auction packages, “Safari Adventures” and “Golf Galore,” according to the organization’s fundraising page.

Raffle tickets cost $5 each or $20 for five. Buyers can choose which baskets they want their tickets entered toward. Starting bids for the two auction baskets are $100 each, and online bidding closes at 5 p.m. Dec. 11.

Proceeds will support a program that delivers about 5,000 meals each month to more than 230 clients. Friendly Kitchen says it has served homebound seniors in the Roseburg area for more than 53 years.

The fundraising page describes the meals as chef-prepared and dietitian-approved. Deliveries also give volunteers an opportunity to check on recipients and provide regular face-to-face contact for people who may have limited opportunities to leave home.

Friendly Kitchen said rising food costs and growing demand for meal deliveries are stretching its resources. The organization said delivery volunteers have, on more than one occasion, alerted emergency services when a recipient had fallen or needed immediate medical attention.

Community members and foundations provide the majority of the organization’s support. Meals are offered on a donation basis, according to Friendly Kitchen’s website.

Organizers say all raffle ticket proceeds will remain in the local community to support the program.

Raffle tickets and auction information are available on the fundraiser’s Givebutter page. Information about meal services, volunteering, and other ways to support Friendly Kitchen is available at friendlykitchen.org or by calling 541-440-7870.