Gift wrap service raises funds for two charities

As last-minute Christmas shoppers rushed to pick up final gifts on Monday, they also had a final opportunity to take advantage of a free wrapping service.

Donita Elbert held her fourth annual free gift wrapping service this holiday season and for the first time, decided proceeds would benefit two charities instead of just one.

The service is located in the Bend River Promenade, and wrapped gifts of all shapes and sizes from any store. The price of the gift wrapping? A donation.

Elbert told NewsChannel 21 the organization raised more than $1,000 for Saving Grace and Oregon Equestrian Trails.

“We have had some very generous donations and we really appreciate those,” Elbert said. “We have had some people, because of the economy, who can’t afford to do much, but do what they can, and that’s really nice.”