Sweet Potato’s Closet, which collects donations of clothing, hygiene items, toys and other supplies for foster children, is now an official 501(c)3 nonprofit registered with the state. This means donations to Sweet Potato’s Closet will be tax deductible.

Jessie Miller, who runs the closet, also announced on Facebook last week that she had found a larger location to store supplies after running out of room in the storage unit she had been renting. She also noted that the Hermiston Public Library recently held a coat drive and donated about 10 bags of coats.

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Senate names locals to state roles

Chuck Sams, of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, will represent the area on the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council for the next three years.

Sams, who replaces Ted Ferrioli, was one of a long list of names submitted by the governor’s office for confirmation by the Oregon Senate this week.

Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan was also submitted for confirmation for a four-year term on the Public Safety Standards and Training Board, replacing Bryan Wolfe of Hermiston.

The Senate Rules Committee is expected to consider the confirmations on Feb. 23.

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Walmart helped pay for picnic shelter

The Hermiston Rotary Club sent in additional information about the picnic shelter featured in a photo in last week’s Hermiston Herald.

The Rotary Club stated that the Hermiston Walmart Distribution Center and Rotary International’s District 5100 provided grant dollars to supplement a “generous” portion of funds from the Hermiston Rotary Club’s members, as well as the members of the club who donated their time to build the new 28-foot by 24-foot covered picnic area.

Club President Jeremy Larson said it was Walmart’s grants that “really kickstarted our efforts to make this project doable” by providing a down payment on a shelter kit the group purchased from Natural Structures of Baker City.

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Senior means include enchiladas

The Harkenrider Senior Activity Center menu for Thursday, Feb. 11, is chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice and dessert. The menu for Tuesday, Feb. 16, is spaghetti, garlic bread, fruit and dessert.

For a Meals on Wheels delivery in Hermiston, call 541-567-3582 before 10 a.m. to place an order. To pick up a meal from the center at 255 N.E. Second St., call the same number before 11 a.m. Meals are $4 and can be picked up between 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

The Boardman Senior Center is now providing meal delivery. Meals are $4 paid upon delivery. Call 541-481-3257 to order.