Baker City woman to offer hot soup, warm clothing to those in need Saturday

Published 1:34 pm Friday, December 8, 2023

Cristy Baird wants to offer anyone in need a cup of hot soup, a warm coat and a warm fire this Saturday in Baker City.

Baird, who lives in Baker City, is organizing an event starting at noon near the armory on the north side of Campbell Street just east of Grove Street.

“I will welcome you with open arms,” Baird’s invitation reads, “and you are welcome to take what you need of the things we gather to provide.”

Baird says she was a homeless teenager, and an expecting mother, when she had a glimpse of what it was to be truly vulnerable and in need.

Baird has since worked hard to find comfort and security in life, but looking back on how much a helping hand would have meant to her in those moments, Baird says she now wants to be that hand.

“The homeless population is growing, drug use in the world is growing, and Baker thinks it’s going to get better on its own,” Baird said.

She described the dread inherent to asking for help but expecting judgment, how it tests friendships, and how these situations can spiral into abuse.

In part, Baird was inspired to help after a visit to Spokane, Washington, to find a loved one among the street encampments, and says she wants better for Baker City’s most vulnerable.

“I think it takes one person to say something, and everybody comes together,” Baird said.

Saturday’s event is her first foray into serving the needy, and she intends to develop into a nonprofit to offer consistent curbside support.

“My son’s going to help me set up a canopy, so we’ll have barrels and wood burning stations to keep warm. Lots of people are bringing soup on the day, and lots of clothes for kids and adults already, and I’ve got a few canned donations so far,” Baird said.

“I’ve been in bad ways myself,” she said, “I know what it’s like to not have anybody reach out. It’s really hard to get out of that hole when you don’t have anybody to help you.”

“I want to do it at least once a month, but I’d like to do it more, every weekend if possible or at least twice a month. Close to Christmas and New Year I’d like to do it as often as possible,” she said.

In the summer she says she loves to grow and can her own food to give away, and hopes that the city can find interest in a community garden.

“I think there’s a lot of support for kids and families, I’d like to lean towards (those affected by) mental health and drug addiction,” Baird said.

For those wanting to contribute, there’s some simple instructions.

“If you want to provide soup, make it Saturday and bring it hot, or make it and freeze it til Saturday. If you have blankets, coats, gloves, hats or anything else you have lying around that you would like to give to the less fortunate, whatever works for you works for me,” she said.

As well, any can/bottle donations are appreciated and will go toward future soup stations.

Baird can be reached for donations at 541-239-8503.