During the holiday season, Kenton Women’s Village came alive with generosity, collaboration, and moments of connection thanks to donors, volunteers, staff, and the participants who helped make the celebration their own.
KWV Participant Lesley, happily accepting gifts from Allison Pantano-Rumsey, KWV program coordinator
The holiday season at Kenton Women’s Village was marked by shared meals, thoughtful gifts, and a sense of togetherness that extended throughout the community. From decorated common spaces to overflowing gift donations, the village reflected the collective effort of donors, volunteers, staff, and participants working together to make the season meaningful.
For one participant, the experience captured something deeper than holiday traditions alone. Niki expressed her gratitude for the care she and others received during the season, including her dog, T.J.:
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our staff [and donors]. I don’t have the words to properly express what it means to be in this situation and be around people who have such compassion and drive to just help others because they can. The holiday gifts are so kind, meaningful, and appreciated. The fact that you all work so hard to make this program possible and work with us individually no matter our needs and challenges speak volumes about your character.”
The festivities were made possible through a wide range of generous contributions. A real Christmas tree was donated by Terrance with Friends of Ours, with a tree skirt and ornaments provided by Cherry Ann, a weekly craft volunteer. Terrance also donated a set of pajamas for every participant at the village, a practical gift especially welcome during the winter months.
Those pajamas were just one part of a larger collection of holiday donations, which also included winter gear, self-care items, and festive treats. The volume of gifts was so great that staff quickly ran out of space to store everything in the office. Participants responded with enthusiasm and appreciation as items were distributed throughout the village.
Top picture is the beautiful, real Christmas tree. Pictured on the bottom is the KWV office overflowing with the abundance of kindness mentioned above.
The holiday generosity extended to pets as well. Thanks to donor Crystal Alexander, animals living at the village received their own holiday stockings. Brooklyn and Drako were among the pets enjoying their gifts, and participants expressed appreciation that their companions were included in the season’s celebrations.
Brooklyn and Drako with their pet stockings.
Food and fellowship were central to the holiday experience. Staff and participants worked together to prepare a festive meal at the village, with Helen taking the lead on cooking the turkey and coordinating with other participants who prepared the side dishes. The shared meal offered an opportunity for connection and collaboration beyond daily routines.
Helen stands with the holiday feast she took the lead in preparing.
Kenton Women’s Village, a program of Catholic Charities of Oregon, provides a supportive community for women experiencing homelessness. This holiday season, the combined efforts of donors, volunteers, staff, and participants helped create an atmosphere of dignity, warmth, and belonging — one that reflects the mission of the village year-round.