Oregon Finally Has a Charitable Friend in Its Pocket

Portland, OR, November 14, 2008 --(PR.com)-- In these difficult days, many families are facing a newfound crisis. Whether it is a financial crunch or health scare, it’s a frightening time for many of our neighbors. Unfortunately, it can be embarrassing for these families to ask for support since they live in a city known for its wealth and prosperity. Friend in My Pocket, a new charitable organization, has risen to the rescue.

Founded by Jacqueline Nichols, Friend in My Pocket was started to support these friends and families in need. Nichols is a lifelong Oregonian who is busy raising three children on her own. When a child in Nichol’s neighborhood was diagnosed with a deadly brain tumor, many local businesses donated money, services, and time to the family of the ill child. Nichols was disturbed when she noticed that the generosity of these businesses was going overlooked. She founded Friend in My Pocket to benefit both the businesses who were “paying it forward” and the families in need.

“The greatest joy of developing Friend in My Pocket is when people and businesses truly believe in our mission,” says Nichols. “To see the support of our Connecting Communities events come together and build a "Basket of Hope" gives true strength to everyone that has been involved. The unconditional love and support of people helping their neighbors in need is powerful."

Northwest Phoenix, a Lake Oswego based marketing and promotions firm, has partnered with this charitable organization. Currently, they are sponsoring a toy drive bin that will be donated to a local school. Northwest Phoenix is also providing it's services in hopes to generate more awareness of the benefits in working with Friend in My Pocket.

Businesses and community members pay an annual fee to become a member of the Friends in My Pocket directory. As a member, they have the opportunity to nominate friends and families who are in need of support. Businesses and community members have the option to make a donation into a “Basket of Hope” which is filled with products, gift certificates, and other items to be given to the receiver of the nomination. The Basket of Hope isn’t the only thing Friend in My Pocket provides. The organization also hosts charitable events and toy drives tailored to local communities.

Currently, there is a toy drive taking place from November 8-November 30th. The donation bins are located at three different locations including Lake Oswego Academy of Dance and Bullseye Coffee in West Linn. Lake Oswego, West Linn, Oregon City, and North Clackamas school districts will benefit from this toy drive as those providing the toys will have the option to decide where their donation will go.

Friend in my Pocket is a charitable organization based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Their mission is to connect business owners and community members who “pay it forward” with friends and families who are in need. Friend in My Pocket was founded by Jacqueline Nichols and has grown by others looking for a place to give back. For more information, visit their website at friendinmypocket.com.

Northwest Phoenix is a marketing and promotions company based in Lake Oswego, OR. The services they provide include public relations, event plannin, media buying, search engine marketing, and general consulting. For more information, visit their website at northwestphoenix.com.

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