PHOTO: Law Enforcement for Youth’s Shop with a Cop this year went from concern that low fund raising levels would reduce the number of children served – but a last-minute pitch brought in so many donations they added 100 kids from their standby list, bringing in 500 kids to gift-shop for the holidays. Of the 100 police officers who participated, some reportedly dipped into their own wallets to purchase more toys and goods for the kids.

Hip Hop Community Coat Drive

5th annual Efryting Drive, a winter-weather gear drive for people sleeping on the streets, is Saturday, Dec. 20, at Cadigan’s Corner Bar, 5501 SE 72nd.

This year’s Efryting Drive features some of the biggest names in Portland entertainment coming together for a 12 hour multi-thon, benefiting the Downtown Chapel and the grassroots FREE HOT SOUP campaign. We are seeking donations of cold weather gear, especially blankets, tarps, socks, gloves etc.

Headlined by The Chicharones and local comedians Kristine Levine and Adam Pasi, the line-up boasts a total of 5 outstanding bands and ten fantastic local standup comics, gathered together with the most active and engaged members of our community. The highlight of the evening is the “Friendly Fire” rap compliment battle, where the best talent in the Portland hip-hop community come together to decide the title “Mr Nice Guy 2014.”

Find out more on Facebook at ‘2014 EFRYTING DRIVE.’

Troutdale Police/Multnomah County Sheriff's 2014 Holiday Toy Drive a Huge Success

Troutdale Police Department and Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Annual Holiday Toy Drive has a record year. Through the kindness and genuine holiday spirit of Walmart, Walmart patrons, Troutdale City Councilors, Wood Village City Councilors, other local businesses and our citizens this toy drive collected an unprecedented amount of toys, and clothes for toddlers, boys, girls and teens in need of support this year. Over 250 large bags of toys were collected during the toy drive and thirty bikes! In addition, we were able to support thirteen families covering 35 children through $2500 in community member cash donations and a $2,500 grant from Walmart.

The toys and items collected in this drive are distributed to children of families with less fortunate means in East Multnomah County. Through SnowCap and Human Solutions an estimated 1,500 children will receive toys this year.

GirlStrength and BoyStrength Volunteers Needed

Portland Police Bureau is looking for men and women to volunteer with the WomanStrength , GirlStrength and BoyStrength self defense and violence prevention programs.

WomenStrength and GirlStrength have a 35 year history of success and trained over 110,000 community members in the Portland area. BoyStrength is an exciting new program for boys ages 10-14 that provide boys with options, strategies and skills to make healthy choices and be leaders in non-violence.

Volunteer instructors are trained by professionals in the field of violence prevention. No experience necessary. Men and women from all backgrounds, abilities and ages (over 18) are encouraged to apply. Application Deadline: Feb. 5, 2015. Strength Instructor Training Starts: Feb. 21, 2015

Volunteer Information and Application: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/BoyStrength

Oliver/Rosewood Open Basketball Night

Looking for a place to place basketball with your friends, family and neighbors?

Come to the Oliver Elementary School gym, 15840 SE Taylor St., Thursdays from 5-6:30 p.m. during the month of December for a fun evening of pick-up basketball. All ages welcome. All participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult over age 21. Volunteers are also needed, for more information contact Josh Richards, SUN coordinator, at joshr@metfamily.org or call 503-388-0456.

Hillsboro Call to Artists for Mayor’s Gift

The City of Hillsboro Public Art Program announces an opportunity for artists to become part of Hillsboro’s Public Art Collection and represent the creative image of the city. In a tradition initiated by Mayor Jerry Willey, a work of art is purchased for the City’s collection, and is displayed in the Civic Center Auditorium. Archival prints are presented as the official gift to dignitaries and business leaders from around the world, underscoring the City’s pride in its creative community.

In 2013, the City selected “Wine with Friends,” a watercolor painted at Árdíri Winery and Vineyard by Sandra Pearce, and in 2014 the City selected “Quintessential Eve” a pastel painted by Amanda Houston.

Artists may submit two-dimensional artwork that represents the characteristic landscape, city views, people and places of Hillsboro. The purchase price cannot exceed $500. Artists interested in applying should go to www.Hillsboro-oregon.gov/PublicArt to download application materials. All artists are eligible, but Hillsboro artists are especially encouraged to apply. The deadline is Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015.

Feminist Films: OUT IN THE NIGHT

Presented by PFLAG Black Chapter and REEL Feminism, the movie “Out in the Night” is showing, Thursday Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at the Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton St.

“Out in the Night” follows the journey of a group of African American teenagers who went to a gay-friendly neighborhood in New York City for a night out. These lesbian and gender non-conforming friends, Patreese, Renata, Terrain and Venice, were confronted by an older man on the street. They defended themselves.

Strangers jumped in to support them and a fight ensued. Only the women were rounded up by police and charged and convicted as perpetrators of gang assault. They became known as The New Jersey 4.

We’ll have a panel discussion after the screening to discuss issues of race, violence against women, gender & sexual identity, and biased media coverage.
Tickets are $5-$10 sliding scale. Find more information at www.clinton-street-theater.seatengine.com.

Vancouver Seeks Applicants for Salary Review Commission Vacancies

The City of Vancouver is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies on the Salary Review Commission. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2014.

This five-member volunteer commission is responsible for reviewing and re-establishing or adjusting the salaries of the Vancouver mayor and city council every two years.

Applicants must be City of Vancouver residents and registered voters. City officers, officials, employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply.

Salary Review Commission members are appointed by the mayor, subject to approval by the city council. Each commission member is appointed for a single four-year term. The appointments will be made effective Jan. 1, 2015.

The Salary Review Commission will convene to review mayor and council salaries in early 2016, but will also meet once in 2015 for training required under the Open Public Meetings Act.

Interested applicants may apply online at www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. To have an application mailed to you, or for further information, contact Alexis Bafus at Vancouver City Hall by phone at 360-487-8607, by email at alexis.bafus@cityofvancouver.us, or by mail at PO Box 1995 Vancouver, WA 98668.

For more information about the Salary Review Commission, including past meeting minutes and reports, please visit www.cityofvancouver.us/src.

Hollywood Theatre Offers Artist Residency Opportunities

In 2015, Hollywood Theatre Education Programs will offer media artists the opportunity to present public art installations and teach youth media arts workshops at Open Meadow Middle School through two new paid artist residencies.

Starting in 2015, with support from the Oregon Community Foundation’s Studio to School program, the Hollywood Theatre Studio’s offerings will expand to include two paid artist residencies. In the spring and fall terms, these teaching artists will contribute their creative talents by teaching after-school workshops to students at the Hollywood Theatre Studio at Open Meadow and by producing their own creative work through the Studio which they will then showcase in a public art installation they organize and curate in the greater community.

Artists-in-residence will be chosen through an application process via the Hollywood Theatre website. Artists of any age, discipline, or background whose project proposals include multimedia art as a major component may apply.

For the spring artist residency (Feb. 2 – June 5, 2015), applications must be submitted via email by Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. For the fall artist residency (Aug. 24 – Dec. 18, 2015), applications are due by July 31 at 5 p.m. Questions and applications should be directed to Hollywood Theatre Education Manager Taylor Neitzke at taylor@hollywoodtheatre.org.

Find more news and events in Portland and Seattle on The Skanner News Community Calendar