Here at Anvil, we believe in supporting our local community by offering pro bono services, volunteering time outside of work and making charitable donations to those in need. One way we do this is with our quarterly Charity of Choice.  Each quarter Anvil selects one local organization to receive a $1,000 cash donation based on nominations from team members.

We’ve decided to put selection of our first Charity of Choice in 2013 to a public vote.  The team has put together a list of five deserving nominees, all who are highlighted below.  Take a look and see the amazing work each of these organizations are doing in the Portland community and then head over to our Facebook page where you can cast your vote.

Free Geek
Free Geek’s mission is to recycle technology and provide access to computers, the Internet, education, and job skills in exchange for community service.  Free Geek’s trains volunteers to build computers from donated parts and then sells them in a Thrift Shop along with other donated technology components.  Volunteers can also work to building their own computer once they complete 5 others.

Website: www.freegeek.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/freegeekmothership

HOMEpdx
The mission of HOMEpdx is to love people face-to-face, which it does by serving a community of people that find their home outdoors in Portland.  HOMEpdx offers two weekly meals as a time to gather as a community to share food, supplies and most importantly hope.
Website: https://www.homepdx.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homepdx

The Shadow Project
The Shadow Project partners with special education teachers to help close the achievement gap for students with complex learning challenges. They envision a day when all youngsters with disabilities recognize themselves as capable and courageous, and when no more children give up on school because they feel they can’t learn.  The Shadow Project serves 28 schools in Portland, Yamhill County and Hillsboro.
Website: www.shadow-project.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Shadow-Project

Children’s Institute
The Children’s Institute is dedicated to improving the odds for Oregon’s at-risk children. They move research to action by promoting cost-effective public and private investments in early childhood programs.  Initiatives include campaign to provide every child the opportunity for early education, advising lawmakers and government agencies on best practices in early childhood development and linking early education with K-12.
Website: www.childinst.org

Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland
ASAP’s mission is to end the euthanasia of social, healthy, and treatable cats and dogs in Portland shelters by collaborating on spay/neuter programs, educational, and outreach efforts, and the promotion of humane alternatives.  In the past 6 years, ASAP has reduced euthanasia in Portland’s shelters by 65% and now saves 85% of cats and dogs – making Portland one of the safest for pets in the nation!
Website: asapmetro.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Animal-Shelter-Alliance-of-Portland-Spay-Save

Head over to our Facebook page to vote now and help spread the word.

Know of another organization doing incredible work in PDX that we should consider next quarter?  Send nominations to info@anvilmedia.com.