This year, the Iterate team had the privilege of volunteering at Raphael House of Portland. Raphael House is a domestic violence agency fighting the causes and effects of intimate partner violence, providing emergency shelter, support, housing assistance, and advocacy from a secure location in Multnomah County since 1977.

The holiday season can be an especially difficult for families in the midst of a domestic violence crisis. Each year, Raphael House collects donations of clothing, toys, books and gifts to create a ‘Holiday Store‘ in the Advocacy Center for families in crisis to ‘shop’ for gifts and necessities in a secure and supportive environment.

The Iterate Team swept in after the event to help tear down, restore the office space, and pack up and label all remaining donations for use over the rest of the year. With the 90’s Christmas playlist on repeat spirits ran high, competitive hanger sorting was engaged in, and Star Wars speculation was the order of the day! Many hands made light work, and in a matter of hours peace and order were restored to the Advocacy Center.

Raphael House relies on donations for over 75% of its funding, and is always in need of volunteer support for a variety of events and fundraisers. If you are looking to give back this holiday season or the upcoming year, why not help a family in need?