MEDFORD, Ore. — Donations to Access in the days ahead will be matched by Boise Cascade Wood Products up to $100,000, the regional food bank announced on Tuesday.

"The recent fires have had a devastating impact on so many people; when you combine the impact of COVID-19, there is a heightened need to help our community. Boise Cascade and its employees want to help our community and hopefully incentivize other individuals and businesses to donate. We know by partnering with ACCESS, our donation will stay local and help our community move forward," said R. J. Glover, Region Manager at Boise Cascade Wood Products.

Boise Cascade has a facility in Phoenix — just outside of where the Almeda Fire burned — and another in west Medford. Access says that the company wanted to support its mission of providing food, housing, energy assistance, and other basic needs in the Jackson County community.

"Boise Cascade is a leader in corporate philanthropy, and they have been one of ACCESS' most dedicated partners for more than three decades. This gift will make such a difference in our community," said J.R. Wheeler, ACCESS Board President.

Access says that it served more than 52,000 people in 2019 — or one in every four of Jackson County's residents. Between coronavirus and wildfires, the organization says it has seen an alarming spike in the need for food and housing assistance, as much as 80 percent.

"A matching gift of this magnitude will make such a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors. Over the past week, ACCESS has received more than 200 calls per day from those impacted by the fire who are in need of food and housing assistance. Boise Cascade's generosity will help us meet that need, and we hope it will inspire others to do the same. We are grateful for Boise Cascade's generous support," said Kellie Battaglia, Development Director for ACCESS.

If you would like to donate, visit the Access page here or call 541-779-6691.