Bend Fire Department’s ‘Santa Express’ back again

Even with the recovery of the economy, there is still a need for support of local food banks and charities, and The Salvation Army is no different. In 2016, The Salvation Army and the Bend Fire Department’s Santa Express collected nearly 3,000 pounds of food, plus much-needed clothing and toys to help those in need here in Bend.

Anything and everything helps, even if it’s one can of food or a small toy — that donation will go a long ways to providing a good dinner and a nice gift on Christmas and a smile on a child’s face Christmas morning. The Salvation Army would like to express the need for gifts to be given to teenage age kids as well. Please join the Bend Fire Department in supporting our community!

Bend Fire Department’s Santa Express food and clothing drive is heading into Bend Neighborhoods Monday, December 4 th through Thursday, December 7 th . The Bend Firefighter’s Association and Bend Fire Department are working with The Salvation Army to collect non-perishable food items, clothing, and toys(new toys are preferred) for families in need in the Bend and Central Oregon area. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to listen for the fire engine and Santa, and bring donations to the street for collection. There will be many volunteers walking along with Santa and the fire engines to collect the donated items. Please advise children to use caution around the moving fire engines.

The Santa Express schedule is as follows : maps are available at www.bendoregon.gov/santaexpress

Monday, December 4 : Yardley Estates, McCall Landing, Wishing Well and Majestic

Tuesday, December 5 : Larkspur, Foxborough and Sun Meadow

Wednesday, December 6 : Providence, areas North and South of Neff Road.

Thursday, December 7 : Northwest Crossing

If we don’t come through your neighborhood you can always drop off non-perishable foods, new toys or clothing to: Boxes will be in place until Friday December 15:

Bend Fire Department Fire Stations – maps and directions can be found on our webpage The Salvation Army – 515 NE Dekalb Ave. Firkus Plumbing – 558 SE Glenwood Dr Wholesale Sports – 63492 Hunnel Rd Pappy’s Pizza Bend – 20265 Meyer Rd Starbucks – Westside on Century Dr., Downtown, across from Fred Meyers, Cascade Village Shopping Center, East side on 27 th St. and the newest location on Sisemore Ave by Market of Choice.

Thanks ahead of time from Bend Firefighters Association, Bend Fire Department, and The Salvation Army for helping families in need this holiday season. If you need help for this holiday season with food or presents, please call The Salvation Army at 541-389-8888.

For more information please contact Garth White 541-322-6300