A $1,000 donation by Plumbers and Fitters Local 290 to child welfare employees at the Oregon Department of Human Services in East Multnomah County helped foster kids enjoy a holiday party Dec. 18.

“Local 290 is awesome. They treat us so well,” said Deborah Bruun, a social service specialist who helps organize the annual event.

The State of Oregon used to fund the party, which includes candy cane fishing poles that catch stuffed animals (pictured above), craftmaking and cookie decorating (pictured below left), pizza, gifts, and a visit from Santa Claus (left) at the festively-decorated Multnomah County office in Southeast Portland. Some 200-plus kids and foster parents attend each year.

But budget cuts in the late ‘90s dried up the money-source for the party. State employees thought the event was so vital for the children that they began raising money on their own time.