❤️❄️ WINTER FAMILY NIGHT ❤️❄️

We LOVE our families! This February, we hosted our annual Winter Family Night, a private event that takes place each winter to show appreciation for families that partner with Family Building Blocks. We are grateful for everyone who attended the literacy and love-themed evening. Thank you to McKay High School for opening the doors to our community, including our Family Building Blocks partnering families, volunteers, board members, and staff.

We served around 400 guests (180+ adults and 220+ children!), and with the support of our amazing volunteers and staff, we welcomed just over 475 people to the event. Together, we shared a meal, played sensory activities, decorated cookies, offered face painting, and captured family photos. We also gave away 125 books to families to promote early literacy and help spark a lifelong love of reading. We were thrilled this year to have Gentle Dental on site providing free dental evaluations to help keep our children healthy and smiling. We love celebrating those joyful smiles!

RSVP FOR SUSTAINERS HAPPY HOUR 2026!

There is still time to RSVP for Sustainers Happy Hour - we would love to have you join us! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 11, 2026 and help fill the room with your friends, co-workers, and family! We are expecting 500 guests at the Salem Convention Center for Sustainers Happy Hour, where we will share our mission and a new inspiring family story. Enjoy complimentary wine from our 2026 Wine Sponsor, Stomp by Croft Vineyards , as well as appetizers with your friends, inspiring them to see the joy in supporting local children and their families. Special thanks to our 2026 Presenting Sponsors, Green Acres Landscaping, Inc, GA at Home, and ServiceMaster of Salem.

At this year’s Sustainers Happy Hour, our Family Building Blocks team will share more about our Family Mental Health Program, celebrate the grand opening of Doris’s Place in the Canyon, and share the powerful story of resilience of a parent we partner with named Jessica. Jessica is a devoted mom of three from Polk County, who faced multiple stressors, including postpartum depression while caring for her young children during what was meant to be a joyful season. Through her connection with Family Building Blocks, she partnered with her home visitor, Mara, to set small, meaningful goals and to gain support through our Relief Nursery Therapeutic Classrooms at Gracie's Place in West Salem. Join us for this impactful event and learn how you can be a part of "Keeping Children Safe and Families Together" with Family Building Blocks.

This event will include ASL and Spanish interpretation. Call 503-566-2132 or email us at accessibility@familybuildingblocks.org to request other accommodations.

Contact Claudia at cvorse@familybuildingblocks.org with questions or to save a seat!

RSVP to Sustainers Happy Hour

VOLUNTEER AT SUSTAINERS HAPPY HOUR

Interested in volunteering with Family Building Blocks? Join our Special Events Team Volunteers and help us at Sustainers Happy Hour on March 11. At our Sustainers Happy Hour event, volunteers are needed to set out pens and programs, greet guests, and help us pack up after! Connect with us today to find the perfect role.

For additional volunteer opportunities, please contact Gaby at gestrada@familybuildingblocks.org.

VOLUNTEER AT SUSTAINERS HAPPY HOUR

JOIN US AT THE 2026 POLK COUNTY LUNCHEON

Join us for our Polk County Luncheon celebrating the power of prevention and the incredible impact of Family Building Blocks’ early childhood programs in Polk County! The special event is free to attend and will be held from Noon - 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at The Gate Community Youth Center, bringing together 200 community members.

Contact Claudia at cvorse@familybuildingblocks.org by APRIL 14 to RSVP!

RSVP to Polk County Luncheon

SAVE THE DATE: UNCORKED 2026!

Save the Date for the Mid-valley’s premier auction benefiting Family Building Blocks at Bryn Mawr Vineyards! We are thrilled to be planning the 19th annual Uncorked event.

Revelry takes places Friday, May 29, 2026.

Live takes place Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Be part of the Uncorked legacy by joining us for our 19th anniversary celebration in the heart of Oregon’s esteemed wine country! Uncorked has raised nearly $6 million for Family Building Blocks, our community’s Relief Nursery committed to “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together.” Kicking off Friday evening, Revelry features Oregon chefs, wineries, breweries, handcrafted cocktails, silent auctions, games, and more. Culminating Saturday evening, Live boasts a luxurious three-course dinner and live auction offering exclusive experience packages.

To learn more about the event, contact Kat at khills@familybuildingblocks.org. For Sponsorship opportunities, contact Tayler at therman@familybuildingblocks.org.

Learn more about Uncorked 2026!

GET READY FOR THE LES SCHWAB DIAPER DRIVE!

Throughout the month of April, Mid-Willamette Valley Les Schwab Tire Centers will host their annual April Diaper Drive benefiting children and families partnering with Family Building Blocks.

Les Schwab and FBB invite businesses, schools and individuals to join in collecting diapers for families in our community! Babies are born every day and the need for diapers is constant – with your support, we can help meet the need for families to have access to diapers. Les Schwab, local businesses, schools and FBB are partnering to meet this challenge with the goal of collecting over 100,000 diapers in 2026!

🧷 Why diapers? Babies require 8-10 diaper changes a day, and many families struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their little ones clean, safe and dry.

💙 Why April? April is Child Abuse Prevention month. By ensuring families have access to essentials like diapers, we can help create a safer, more connected community. Your partnership and the Les Schwab Diaper Drive is a key part of this effort.

Questions? Contact Laura at lstovin@familybuildingblocks.org.

Let’s work together to love on families and cover babies from the BOTTOM up!