Portland From Gracie’s Eyes
Portland is a community full of love and joy. Many people will read that sentence and find it hilarious, thinking Portland is just some broken community with no future ahead of it. But the way I see it is just so different.
I’ve grown up in Portland and I’ve seen its potential. I’ve dreamed about changing Portland and making it an even better community. I’ve dreamed about Portland being a community that is respected and known for its love and bond that it already has. Don’t get me wrong, Portland has its fair share of flaws, but it’s amazing and heart warming to see the community care about each other. So many people wonder why people even stay in Portland but it’s because people who grew up here have a strong connection with the community and have a tight relationship with everyone else here. Even though everyone thinks Portland is a broken community, it has SO much love and life in it.
Young Gracie
There was once upon a time I was giving up on any hope of Portland ever changing. But then I found Love City. Everyone in the organization of Love City has true passion to help make a difference and has shown dedication to changing our community. They helped me see that people really cared and people wanted the same change in the community that I wanted. Before I even could comprehend what Love City was doing my mom would bring me to their events and I always had an amazing time. I remember when I went to a Christmas event and got a brand new free bike and I was so happy. I rode that bike until it rusted and I couldn’t anymore.
One of my first years going to Mighty Oak Academy, I was always going out and helping the community with them. I would pick up trash from a lot of areas and man did I hate doing it. There was a lot of trash and I didn’t understand why we had to go out and pick it up. But, when I saw the finished product I understood. It looked amazing, I couldn’t believe how something so small could change the whole look of the area. Last year, in 8th grade I witnessed and got to be a part of a business getting planned and actually opening. It was very educational and I was so happy to be a part of it. And now I work at Merriment and it looks amazing!! Mighty Oak didn’t only teach me math and grammar, it taught me so many life lessons and to not be a test taker but to be a lifelong learner. I was taught how to contemplate and how to find peace within myself so I can love myself to be able to love others.
The Portland community is so beautiful and I hope for people to be able to see it the same way I do and see the potential and love the community has. I hope people can see Love City’s dedication and love for this community. I hope people can find peace and be happy exactly where they are in life exactly how Mighty Oak taught me.
Gracie Keck
Merriment!!!
Merriment is open, with expanded days and hours. Come in to shop or donate Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. If you have any questions or to confirm a drop off time please call (502) 901-1105. We hope to see you soon!! To shop our higher end items online visit our Website or our eBay Page.
Fish Fry OPEN!!!
Stop by the Fish Fry to grab lunch, or bring the family for dinner. Churched Up Tots or a Fried Fish Sandwich. However you do it, We’d love to see you!!!
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.