Sarah Lightley/ The Broadside 

The season of giving is upon Bend. While the community has been hit hard this year because of COVID-19, donating may not be in the cards for many this year. But that is OK. Many of the programs mentioned below allow volunteering instead.

Bend firefighters local 227:

Bend firefighters local 227 have teamed up with @streetdoghero to create a fun charity calendar people can enjoy all year long. All proceeds from sales will be split between @streetdoghero and the Bend Fire Community Assistance Program. 

Toys for Tots donation boxes at Market of Choice:

The donation box is located in the front of the store inside of the building near the checkout area. People can donate to their local Toys for Tots, or they can go to the website and donate there. Toys for Tots is only accepting new and unwrapped toys. If one would like to help and volunteer, the Toys for Tots website has more information.

According to the Toys for Tots website the, “Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program started in 1947 collecting and distributing toys to needy children and has since been a major factor in providing children across the United States with a brighter Christmas.”

Click here to go to the website.

Barnes and Noble Holiday Book Drive:

Buy a book from Nov. 1 to Dec. 12 and they will donate it to Court Appointed Special Advocates of Central Oregon.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Central Oregon:

The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Central Oregon make gift boxes for foster kids, and the children can keep what is inside forever.

CASA accepts donations on its website. Here are a few examples of what people can donate.

• A donation of money
• Donating an old vehicle or boat not in use anymore
• Shopping on AmazonSmile.com will give 0.5% off of the price of eligible purchases

A child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to find a safe and permanent home along with other opportunities. Children in CASA are,

• More likely to be adopted
• Half as likely to re-enter foster care
• Less likely to spend time in long-term foster care
• More likely to have a plan for permanency, especially children of color

Athleta:

Tuesday, Dec. 1 Athleta is donating 10% of all sales from 3 to 7 p.m. to Saving Grace. Saving Grace offers safety, hope and healing to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault and engages Central Oregon to build life free from violence. There is more info about donating on their website, along with more information about volunteering. 

Mary’s Place:

• A safe and neutral location for parents needing exchange monitoring without having direct contact with each other
• A place for parents to spend meaningful parenting time with their children
• A friendly and safe atmosphere for both parents and children
• The only program of its kind in Central Oregon

Shepherds House: This Season Give a Life.

According to the Shepherd’s House website, “Today in Central Oregon we know that people are hungry, people are lonely, people are struggling. And, the impact of COVID-19 has affected people’s quality of life. But you can help, You Can Give Life!”

Click here to go to the website to donate or find out more information. There are also volunteer opportunities at the Shepherds House. 

Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon:

The Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An opportunity for all, helping individuals, “have the opportunity to reach their goals and make their dreams come true.”

Click here to go to the website
Click here to donate

According to the foundation’s website, “For more than 54 years, the Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon has worked to empower people of diverse abilities. We believe everyone has the fundamental right to live and work in supportive and inclusive communities. Alongside a broad array of community partners, we propel social change and encourage limitless possibilities.”

Humane Society of Ochocos:

The Humane Society of Ochocos accepts donations through a wish list on Chewy. 

Donations of cleaning supplies like Pine Sol, bleach, paper towels, dish soap and Clorox wipes are greatly appreciated. 

To drop off a donation, give the Humane Society of Ochocos a call Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Humane Society of Central Oregon :

The Holiday Tails Arts and Crafts fair is an event the Humane Society of Central Oregon is hosting. Animal loving artists will donate 20% of all sales to the HSCO now through Dec. 3 to help over 3,000 animals cared for annually at the HSCO. 

Click here to look at the artists items for sell. 

This is just a sampling of donations and charitable opportunities available in Central Oregon.  There are many more to choose from, with every little bit helping. Happy Holidays!