Donating at the Push of a Button

Feeling generous? You’re in luck, because Eugene is getting its first ever Giving Machine! The Giving Machine provided by Light the World — a ministry of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — allows you to donate to a local or international nonprofit with the swipe of a card and the press of a button, just like a vending machine. To celebrate the launch, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Valley River Center on Monday, Nov. 25, just in time for Thanksgiving. In attendance at the ribbon cutting will be Eugene Mayor-elect Kaarin Knudson; District 4 Commissioner Pat Farr; singer-songwriter Evynne Hollens; Olympic shot putter Jaida Ross; Olympic middle-distance runner Klaudia Kazimierska; and Dino Philyaw, former running back and kick returner for the Oregon Ducks, Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. Local nonprofits featured in that big red box (not to be confused with a Eugene Weekly newsstand) are FOOD For Lane County, ShelterCare, CASA, Catholic Community Services of Lane County and Community Sharing. Donations go directly to the organization you’re giving to; 100 percent of it! There are also plenty of international organizations to choose from. Don’t worry if you miss the ribbon cutting ceremony, as the Giving Machine will be ready and waiting for donations until Dec. 15.

The Giving Machine launch is 9 am Monday, Nov. 25, near Kay Jeweler’s, 259 Valley River Center. FREE.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!