The season of giving has arrived and we wanted to kick it off by highlighting some of the ways our partners are getting involved in the local Portland community.

“Friends, family and travelers alike are welcome to join,” says Sally, a Portland partner who invites her whole community to sit at the dinner table. Another crafty partner, Julie prepares little care packages of carrots, celery and pepperoni sticks bundled with one or two pairs of socks to hand out to the homeless. “It might not be a full warm meal but it can often times be the most nutritious thing they’ve had in awhile.”

Whether it’s an open house invite or rallying neighbors to collect warm clothing — Portland partners are nothing short of creative when giving back.

FEATURED DRIVER PARTNER: BILL SHARWATT

“Seeing people cry tears of joy knowing they are going to have a warm meal that night, is the most rewarding part of donating my time. I can directly see how I am impacting other people’s lives.”

Although he has only been driving with Uber for the last two months, Bill has lived in Portland his entire life. For the last 52 years, Bill has worked as an Endodontics dentist but equally values his time volunteering.

Bill has donated his time and resources with organizations like Portland Rescue Mission & Salvation Army of Portland. He’s done everything from a being a donation pot bell ringer to providing much needed clothing for the cold winter months in the Pacific Northwest. Bill collects clothing like gloves, jackets, hats and shoes from his community to help make sure some of the less fortune can stay warm.

His fondest memory of volunteering is with Shepherd’s Door– the women’s division of The Portland Rescue Mission. Once a month, Bill cooks and serves a meal to for the women who have shown immense gratitude and thanks to him directly.

Thank you to Bill and all of our amazing driver partners in Portland!