‘Secret Santa’ arrives: Assistance League of Bend delivering over 400 holiday gifts to region’s seniors in need

(Update: Adding video, comments from Chair of Secret Santa Program)

Assistance League is a '21 Cares for Kids' partner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Assistance League^® of Bend volunteers have been working for weeks to ensure that the holiday wishes of local seniors are fulfilled through the nonprofit’s annual Secret Santa program -- and Thursday was that "special delivery" day.

Seniors at 18 long-term care facilities in Bend, La Pine, Redmond, and Sisters will receive special holiday gifts, handpicked for them by their Secret Santa. Facility representatives speak with residents and obtain personalized gift requests, including size, color, and interests.

Many of the requests are touchingly simple, such as a new pillow, cozy blanket, warm socks, or a sweater in a favorite color. Others reflect their interests such as birdfeeders, books, or art supplies. The volunteers enjoy hunting for the perfect gifts to brighten the holidays for the often-forgotten seniors.

Meredith Kellogg, Chairman of the Secret Santa Program, told NewsChannel 21, "There are a lot of people in our facilities in Deschutes County who have nothing. So they don't have family, they may not have a chance to get a Christmas present, and it's our job - and our pleasure - to go out and make sure they have a little bit of Christmas joy."

"We believe we can touch one life at a time, and we do that today," Kellogg said. "We don't get to see what we're doing, but we know what's happening in those facilities."

The “Secret Santa Squad,” dressed in holiday colors and festive Santa hats, loaded up their “sleighs” to deliver the beautifully decorated packages to 424 seniors on Thursday, just in time for Christmas.

Kellogg said, “The Secret Santa program brings together the needs of seniors in our community and the kindness of those able to meet those needs. The immediate 'I Can' attitude of our volunteers will make a difference for those 424 seniors this year.”

In addition to the Assistance League’s dedicated members, many valued community volunteers contributed gifts for seniors through the Secret Santa program this year.

The Secret Santa program is just one part of Assistance League of Bend’s outreach to seniors in need.

Through their Senior Caring program, they provide complimentary personal care items  to low-income seniors in the long-term care facilities throughout the year. They also create birthday and “thinking of you” greeting cards. These cards have handwritten personalized messages for the residents who likely need encouragement during a confusing and isolating time.

Contact programs@assistanceleaguebend.org or call 541-389-2075 to learn more about Assistance League’s senior caring programs.

Assistance League of Bend is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization making a difference in the lives of children and adults facing hardship like poverty, homelessness, and cancer in Deschutes County. Please visit our website www.assistanceleague.org/bend for more information.

The Assistance League of Bend is a 21 Cares for Kids partner.