December 20, 2019 6:40 a.m. 
Eighteen local food bank programs received holiday checks from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation Thursday morning in Roseburg.
Representatives from the Cow Creek Tribal Board, including Susan Ferris, Robert Van Norman, Luann Urban, and Gerald Rainville, were present at the tribal offices on Northeast Stephens for the presentation. They awarded checks worth $2,000 each to the local groups committed to fighting hunger in Douglas county.
Representatives from each organization accepted the checks and spoke about the work their particular food bank does. During the presentation, there were several mentions of the checks being used to ensure holiday meals or food boxes to community members who may have gone hungry otherwise.
The checks came as a holiday surprise, because the groups were only notified of the donations on Wednesday.
Ferris closed the presentation Thursday by saying “It’s a delight. I’ve been touched by many stories you’ve all told me. Keep up the good work you’re doing.”
Since the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation began nearly 20 years ago, the group has donated almost $20 million to non-profits in Oregon.
Organizations receiving checks Thursday include:

• Glide Helping Hands
• Community Care Food Pantry
• Dillard/Winston Food Pantry
• FISH Drain
• Glendale/Azalea Christmas Bureau
• South Douglas Food Bank
• St. Francis Community Kitchen
• St. Vincent de Paul of Myrtle Creek
• St. Vincent de Paul of Roseburg
• St. Joseph’s Community Kitchen
• Sutherlin/Oakland Emergency Pantry
• The FISH
• The Friendly Kitchen
• The Salvation Army
• UCAN Food Bank
• AARP in Reedsport
• ROLWOC Provision Pantry
• Roseburg Rescue Mission