Insurance Service Agent Tanikka Stephenson is making a difference at With Love

When Tanikka Stephenson began her career with the Insurance Team at First Tech about six years ago, she decided to get involved with local non-profits, and looked into what nearby organizations were in need of support. She found out about the organization With Love through First Tech’s community service portal, and quickly connected with their mission and work. Soon, she would be connecting groups of friends and co-workers to get involved with the organization, too.

With Love is a non-profit organization based in Tigard, Oregon that works to support foster children and their families by providing safe, clean and quality clothing and supplies for all children ages 0 through 6. “I have some first-hand experience with my daughter being a foster parent, and I know so many foster children come home with absolutely nothing. With Love has anything that a first-time parent would need.”

Although last year proved to be challenging in terms of in-person volunteering, Tanikka still made time to drop off needed items to With Love on Mondays and Fridays. She has also rallied her friends to donate their like-new items, helping With Love to share with other families in need.

The items that With Love disperses to families and commonly needs donations for can vary depending on the time of year and the age of a child. In addition to clothing and shoes, With Love also accepts items like toys, bedding, cribs, books, diapers, toiletries and face masks.

When Tanikka isn’t working--and is able to get out to enjoy socializing again--she enjoys camping, reading books, wine tasting and volunteering with her church. When the weather is nice, Cape Lookout on the Oregon Coast is a favorite spot.

And of course, she misses the chance to interact with the friends and families that make With Love such a special organization.

“I would like to volunteer more when I can, because that really does give me joy. Just being able to be out in the community and help out more.”

If you would like to get involved at With Love or make a donation, check their donations page for an up-to-date, detailed list of current needed items and donation guidelines.