Prineville residents helping laid-off millworkers

It’s going to be a tough Christmas this year for many workers who were laid off from Woodgrain Millwork in Prineville. But in such a tight-knit community, people are coming together to help each other.

Many families are now wondering where their next meal is going to come from, a month before Christmas.

“I was devastated,” said Rachel Williams, whose husband was one of 200 workers who lost their jobs at the mill.

It could not have come at a worse time for the Williamses, who have three children.

“It would just be nice that everything would be perfect around Christmas. Sorry, this is hard for me. It’s very touching, because I understand on both sides. I know what it’s like to not know where the next meal is coming from,” Williams said.

Now, the community is coming together to help those in need. Williams organized a food drive through the Calvary Baptist Church.

Ron Booth is a production manager for the affected workers and wanted to help.

“I just want to show a little appreciation what they do for me, and what they’ve done for Woodgrain over the years,” Booth said.

In a small community like Prineville, 200 lost jobs affect many lives.

“It’s just tough,” Booth said. “You can’t put words to something like this.”

Williams added, “It affects more than just the 200 people laid off. I’d say it’s closer to 1,000, because everyone’s got kids and family.”

And so, with the holiday season at hand, people in Prineville are helping each other through a tough time.

“We’re just a strong community. We’ll get by,” said Booth.

If you want to help you can stop by the Grocery Outlet store to donate canned food or cash donations. You can also contact the Calvary Baptist Church.

At times like these, every little bit helps.