Director's Message

Feb. 23, 2007

To: All DHS employees

From: Bruce Goldberg, M.D., Director

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one."
~Mother Teresa

DHS employees have a wonderful generosity of spirit. It's why we've chosen the kind of work we do, and it's why we work for an agency that helps people. It's why we keep coming back day after day to tackle difficult issues and respond to people in need.

This month we have an opportunity to display that generosity of spirit in a way that extends beyond our work responsibilities -- by supporting the Governor's State Employees' Food Drive. Even with the many DHS programs and other efforts by agencies and nonprofit organizations, too many people in this state still go hungry.

The food drive benefits Oregonians in need by supporting the efforts of the Oregon Food Bank Network, a statewide system of 20 regional food banks and 884 agencies and programs. This network provides a crucial safety net for the many individuals and families in every community in Oregon who lack enough food to meet their basic needs.

It's no accident that the food drive is held in February each year. This is when the pace of donations slows down and supplies run out as the traditional holiday season of giving comes to a close and people's thoughts turn back to their daily lives and work. Unfortunately, hunger doesn't end. It continues, and we need to continue our efforts to fight it.

We're nearing the end of the 2007 food drive, but there's still time for you to make a huge difference in the lives of the thousands of Oregonians who go hungry.

Please, bring in food donations. Participate in the many fund-raisers going on in DHS offices throughout the state. Or sign up for a small payroll deduction each month. Just $10 a month is the equivalent of donating 720 pounds of food.

I have tried to do what I can to support this important effort. I have signed up for a payroll deduction, purchased several delicious baked goods made in support of the food drive, and played music with the wonderful Human Services Building "rockers" at a lunch time fund raiser.

As the posters promoting this year's food drive say, we're looking for a few good superheroes. And all it takes to be a superhero for a family in need is to show the generosity of spirit I know resides in every one of us.

Thank you to everyone who has or will donate their time, creative talents, enthusiasm, and money. And a special thanks to all who have organized events, especially our DHS coordinators, Julie Yu and Doug Moon, who have done an outstanding job and have worked so very hard to coordinate and lead our efforts.

Let's make the final days of this year's food drive a huge success.

To provide feedback email: DHS.Directorsoffice@state.or.us

This message is intended for all department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access