Giving back on Giving Tuesday at KIDS Center can help end child abuse

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Giving Tuesday is coming up Tuesday, December 3, and Central Oregonians have a special opportunity to give back to their community by donating to KIDS Center, our region's Children's Advocacy Center. The public is invited to stop by KIDS Center's parking lot on Giving Tuesday and make a gift.

"Give an amount that's meaningful to you and know that your gift will change children's lives," says Ginger Theis-Stevens, KIDS Center's Director of Development and Marketing.

More than 400 children come to KIDS Center each year for intervention and treatment services when child abuse is suspected to have occurred. KIDS Center provides forensic child abuse evaluations, therapy, and specialized support for families who are going through extremely traumatic experiences.  

"We want to give every child the chance to heal from abuse," says Theis-Stevens. Community support makes it possible for KIDS Center to offer our services at no cost to families. "When you give to KIDS Center, you give hundreds of children the chance to overcome abuse and find a better future. That's one of the best gifts you can give," says Theis-Stevens.

Giving Tuesday started in 2012 with the simple goal to do good. After the shopping frenzy of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday focuses our collective attention on making a difference.

"We are so humbled by the response from our community on Giving Tuesday—and we are grateful for every person who is inspired to stop by," says Theis-Stevens. Staff and volunteers will be in the KIDS Center parking lot from 10 am to 2 pm, and can accept cash, credit cards and Venmo, so drivers can easily make a donation without leaving their vehicle.

Pacific Perks Coffee will be onsite from 10 am to 2 pm, and their "perkologists" will whip up a complimentary coffee drink for every person who donates to KIDS Center.

KIDS Center is located on Bend's westside at 1375 NW Kingston Ave, Bend OR 97703.

If your route doesn't take you by KIDS Center on Giving Tuesday, you can also donate online at www.kidscenter.org or send a donation through Venmo to @kidscenter.

About KIDS Center: Built by the community in 1994, KIDS Center is the regional Children's Advocacy Center for Central Oregon. KIDS Center is where hope and healing begins for children and families who have experienced abuse. KIDS Center provides independent child abuse evaluations, therapy and family advocacy—at no cost to families. Information about KIDS Center can be found at: kidscenter.org or by calling, (541) 383-5958. Anyone with a concern about a child’s safety can call the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).