Bend state Employment workers aid food drive

This year marks the 31 st Anniversary of the “Governor’s State Employee Food Drive” of Oregon. The Governor’s State Employee Food Drive was first brought into being in 1982, when Governor Victor Atiyeh called on every state agency to sponsor a food drive “to reduce the suffering of those without adequate food resources” and “to show that true Oregonians believe that we can and do help our friends and neighbors in need.”

During the best of times, it is easy to forget that others are in need of assistance until a disaster strikes whether an earthquake, wildfire, flood, or tornado. During times of economic distress, however, many people are understandably focused on their immediate families and doing what they can to make ends meet.

The food drive provides both a reminder of a need and an opportunity for businesses and state employees to work together to help restock the shelves in local food banks after the holidays.

The Oregon Employment Department houses one of its three unemployment insurance call-centers in Bend. The center is staffed with just fewer than 60 employees and raised $1,256.39 for NeighborImpact using a variety of activities ending with a silent auction. NeighborImpact is a nonprofit community resource serving Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties since 1985.

Without the donations from businesses, both local and across the state, the success of this fundraising event would have been significantly less. Several golf courses and restaurants participated in our silent auction this year.

A big thank you to the following businesses (in alphabetical order) that helped the success of this event:

Albertson’s, Bend Oregon

Anthony’s Restaurant, Bend Oregon

Aspen Lakes Golf Course, Sisters Oregon

Caf Yumm!, Bend Oregon

Chan’s Restaurant, Bend Oregon

Eagle Crest Golf Course, Redmond Oregon

Eagle Crest Day Spa, Redmond Oregon

Flatbread Community Oven, Bend Oregon

Ida’s Cupcakes, Bend Oregon

Inn at Spanish Head, Lincoln City Oregon

Juniper Golf Course, Redmond Oregon

Marine Discovery Tours, Newport Oregon

Meadow Lakes Golf Course, Prineville Oregon

New York City Sub Shop, Bend Oregon

Prineville Golf & Country Club, Prineville Oregon

Seven Feathers Casino & Resort, Canyonville Oregon

Sun Country Tours, Bend Oregon

Sunriver Resort, Sunriver Oregon

Surftides Resort, Lincoln City Oregon

Zydeco, Bend Oregon