Umatilla resident Stacie Richter has always had a place in her heart for helping people in need, especially after seeing how others helped her family of five when they were struggling to get by.
After realizing there was only so much that one person could do, she asked her friends for help. Together, they created Stand Up to Stand Out, a Facebook group with more than 900 members that promotes random acts of kindness across Lake County.
“I do a lot of networking and would constantly come across families in need due to job loss, house fires or just those who struggle to get by day to day,” she said. “So a friend of mine and I got together to start the group in order to involve others in the community to come together and help each other.”
The group began last September and has become popular throughout the community. Stand Up to Stand Out hosts several events throughout the year and provides help for people on a daily basis.
As a need is brought to her attention, Richter will post on the group’s Facebook page and ask if there is anyone willing to help. She said the response is usually overwhelming.
“There is always someone willing to help,” Richter said. “And these usually aren’t people who have an abundance to give. It’s moms and dads who understand what its like to be without and want to do anything they can to help others in unfortunate situations.”
A recent project focused on helping a family rebuild their fire-damaged home. Richter not only organized the donations, but also got businesses to give building materials and workers to help with repairs.
“A lot of people and businesses remain anonymous because they are not doing it for publicity,” Richter said. “We had drywall, paint, kitchen appliances, furniture, clothing and curtains all done within a few days. It was amazing to see everyone work together, and the people were so grateful. That’s what it’s all about.”
The group also organizes clothing, food and toy drives throughout the year.
“One of our clothing drives in Umatilla had people coming out of the woods for clothes that weren’t torn or stained,” Richter said. “We also handed out food and bottled water that local businesses had donated.”
But their biggest event last year was the Christmas gift drive, where Stand Up To Stand Out supplied gifts to 79 children and 25 families. The group is optimistic the Christmas drive will double in size this year.
“We didn’t just give them each one toy,” Richter said. “All the children received socks, shoes, clothing, toys and families were able to fill the space under their Christmas tree. Girl Scout Troop 9295 even helped us wrap all of the presents.”
Richter wants other organizations to get involved on the group’s Facebook page by posting community events and what services they can offer. She hopes it will become a central page that people can come to in order to find help.
“There are a lot of people in our community who have big hearts and hate to see people suffer,” Richter said. “We have an awesome circle of friends who are making a difference.”
For information, go to the Stand Up To Stand Out Facebook page or email staciemobacie@aol.com.