Commissioner Randy Leonard challenged two of the bureaus he oversees to do something different this holiday season. He didn't challenge them to boost morale or work harder during these stressful economic times. Leonard challenged the Portland Water Bureau and the city's Bureau of Development Services to a friendly holiday competition; a competition to fill barrels for the needy.
The Water Bureau allied with Portland Fire and Rescue's Toy N Joy Makers program to fill toy barrels. The Bureau of Development Services picked Sunshine Barrels, a food donation program headed up by the Portland Police Bureau. The competition began on December 3 and ended this afternoon.
The prize? Not much, really - a hearty congratulation from the Commissioner and bragging rights, of course.
Fancy prize or not, however, city employees embraced this competition with a stunning amount of voracity and enthusiasm, especially given the rough state of the economy. The Water Bureau sent 53 barrels off with firefighters from the Toy N Joy program this afternoon. BDS employees loaded up 45 Sunshine Barrels.
"I am incredibly proud of our employees." said Water Bureau Administrator David Shaff. "I knew they would donate, but I had no idea they would donate so generously. I estimate that at approximately 25 toys per barrel Water Bureau employees donated more than 1300 toys. I think this really says something great about the character of these folks. I can't wait to do it all over again next year."
No doubt Leonard, the final judge, had a real nail-biter on his hands. The bureaus hope to receive a final judgment by early next week.
Jennie Day-Burget
Public Information Officer
Portland Water Bureau
