Santa Express success, but last-minute request made

Santa Express was a huge success again and all thanks to the generous support of our community, the Bend Fire Department said Wednesday. Enough food, clothing and toys were donated to help provide Christmas cheer to thousands here in Bend and Central Oregon.

As of Wednesday evening, the Salvation Army had handed out gifts to over 300 families. That’s Christmas presents for nearly 1,200 kids! The food goes to provide holiday food packs for all those families. The clothing helps with presents as well as providing much needed clothing for the less fortunate.

But there is still a need!

According to the Salvation Army, after two days of handing out gifts, they are running very low on presents. They have one more day of providing gifts for families and they may not have enough to cover all the families requesting help. They expect another 150 families, including more than 500 kids, to come on Thursday.

The Salvation Army is asking for a little more help to get through this holiday season. If you have any new unwrapped toys that could be donated, they would much appreciate them. You can take them directly to the Salvation Army at 515 NE Dekalb Avenue in Bend on Thursday between 8 am and 4 pm.

Those donations will go directly out the door to the needy families, just in time for Christmas. All families being helped are in need during the holidays. These families would not be able to afford Christmas presents without the help of the Salvation Army and our great community.

Items they especially need:

Gifts for teens (art supplies, clothing, gift cards, etc) General toys for kids of all ages Food for holiday food packs

Thanks ahead of time from the 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.

The Salvation Army in Bend later issued its own news release:

Last year, The Salvation Army assisted more than 350 families and provided 1,500 children (ages 0-18) with presents and clothing for Christmas and today they recognized that the need is greater than what they had anticipated.

“We are trying to give each child at least two toys if possible; and while we have helped 350 families already, we are fearful that we will not be able to do the same for everyone. We are in need of 1,000 toys to ensure that help each person who has come to us to make Christmas possible for their families. In short, we are looking for a Christmas miracle. We are very grateful to all those who have given us gifts already, but we are asking for even more help as we have more to help.” — Captain Rachel Johnson, Corps Officer — The Salvation Army of Bend.

Here’s how you can help. Donate an unwrapped gift to assure that the need is met, they can drop it off at The Salvation Army, located next to Bend Senior High School (515 NE Dekalb Ave, Bend, OR 97701,) or call Captain Rachel Johnson directly at (541) 408-6171.

The Salvation Army is proud to be a part of the city of Bend and service all of Deschutes county. They are appreciative of the support that they have received already, and are confident that those who see the work they, will continue to contribute to their efforts. To learn more about the work of The Salvation Army in Bend, to volunteer or make a donation; please visit bend.salvationarmy.org or visit them at 515 NE Dekalb Ave, Bend, OR 97701