Assistance League Bend empowers volunteers to make a difference in the community
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- At Assistance League Bend, volunteers don’t just fill roles, they stretch beyond them.
“We do. I mean, that’s what you get with an all-volunteer organization,” said Lisa Sarmiento, the assistant treasurer. “Everybody’s pitching in, and maybe they’re out of their comfort zone. I’ve learned a ton about how to work on websites. I never expected to know how to do web anything.”
That spirit of adaptability fuels a nonprofit that runs a wide array of programs serving Deschutes County and beyond. From youth-focused initiatives to outreach for seniors, volunteers power nearly every aspect of the organization.
Supporting Youth and Seniors
Most of the league’s programs are designed for students and youth, but volunteers say their impact extends across generations.
Senior-focused efforts from the nonprofit include providing free personal hygiene items to to seniors in 17 long-term memory care and assisted living facilities throughout Deschutes County.
'Senior Connections' is another example, where detailed handmade cards, designed and created by members, are delivered year-round.
“When you’re in a facility, you’re so separated from the rest of society,” Sarmiento said. “We just want people to know that they’re not forgotten.”
Signature Programs Make a Difference
Among the organization’s most visible efforts is Cinderella’s Closet, chaired by Dianne Benson. The program offers a boutique-style experience where students can select formalwear at no cost.
“They can get shoes, handbags, jewelry, and just feel like a princess for the night,” Benson said.
Another cornerstone program, Operation School Bell, serves roughly 2,700 children each year. Students are invited to shop for new clothing with a set budget, allowing them to choose items that reflect their personal style.
“We want kids to have fewer barriers to their education,” Sarmiento said. “We want them to feel confident and excited about going to school.”
In addition, Assistance League Bend provides emergency clothing to children entering or transitioning in the foster care system through a partnership with Every Child Central Oregon, another one of our 21 Cares for Kids partners.
Teaching Life Skills Through Cooking
Beyond clothing assistance, the nonprofit is also helping children build practical skills through 'These Kids Are Cooking', which is an after-school initiative led by retired educators.
The program goes beyond basic nutrition education: teaching students how to plan meals, prepare ingredients, and cook independently.
“If you don’t know how to cut things or cook things, it doesn’t matter if you know what’s healthy,” Sarmiento said. “It’s taking kids from knowing to actually doing.”
Volunteers Find Purpose and Community
For many volunteers, the work offers both personal fulfillment and connection.
“I don’t have kids in my house anymore, they’re all grown and gone,” Sarmiento said. “This is a way for me to care for children, especially local kids that maybe need a little extra.”
Benson said the reward comes from seeing the impact firsthand.
“Seeing the kids when they come into Cinderella's Closet or Operation School Bell, to see the looks on their faces when they can go ahead and just be like everyone else. It's a wonderful, wonderful feeling,” Benson said.
Volunteers also build lasting friendships through their shared mission.
“You get to meet different people, and you build friendships,” Benson added. “We’re all here for the same thing, to help our community.”
Fundraisers and Community Support
The nonprofit is currently inviting community members to get involved through donations, volunteering, and upcoming events.
One major fundraiser, the Dream Trip Raffle, offers travel prizes with $30 tickets. Proceeds help fund programs like Operation School Bell, with ticket sales closing April 15th and a drawing set for April 17th.
Another highly anticipated event, the Kitchen Kaleidoscope Home Tour, returns June 20th in Eagle Crest. The event features tours of local homes paired with culinary experiences from area chefs.
"You get to meet a local chef, sample some food," Sarmiento said. "It’s just a fun day out!”
A Growing Need for Help
As the organization expands its reach, the need for volunteers continues to grow.
“We always need volunteers,” Sarmiento said. “Many hands make light work.”
From sewing chemotherapy hats to confidence through clothing, opportunities span a wide range of interests and skills.
“We kind of do it all,” Sarmiento said.
For Assistance League Bend, that all-hands-on-deck approach is exactly what keeps its mission moving forward.
Click here to learn more about Assistance League Bend.
To learn more about our 21 Cares for Kids partners, click here.
