Partnering with First Responders

Sunshine Division has had an integral partnership with the Portland Police Bureau for over 101 years.

Originally founded by the Portland Police Reserves, the first time Sunshine Division distributed food to Portlanders in need was during our first Holiday Delivery in 1922 in the Goose Hollow Neighborhood.

Sunshine Division formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the 1960s and our two organizations have always maintained a close partnership ever since, working together to ensure our neighbors in need have 24/7 access to food assistance.

Our food boxes are in every Portland Police precinct so that when officers comes across a family or individual in crisis, they are able to provide emergency food assistance. Officers also play a critical role in outfitting children in need with brand-new clothing through our Izzy’s Kids Program. 

Sunshine Division has also had an assigned police liaison since the ’60s. Our current Portland Police Liaison, Officer Rashida Saunders, has been with us since January 2023.

If you are experiencing a crisis and need food assistance, you may reach out to the Portland Police Bureau nonemergency line at 503-823-3333. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.