Taking part in KIDS Center’s Gift Card Drive can speed healing for area children

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregonians can give a child and family much-needed support by taking part in KIDS Center's Gift Card Drive. Gift cards aid healing for local children who have experienced abuse, by reducing some of the stress and financial pressure on their family.

"Child abuse can throw a family into crisis," explains Andrea Adams, one of KIDS Center's family advocates. "When families are struggling to make ends meet, healing takes a back seat to surviving, and children can have a harder time overcoming the trauma of abuse."

Gift cards give a family security and stability by helping them buy food, fuel and basic necessities. "By easing stress at home, we can help speed a child's healing process," says Adams.

Gift cards to grocery stores, big box stores and gas stations are most helpful for families in need, according to KIDS Center's family advocates.

"We encourage people to pick up a gift card while they're doing their holiday shopping," explains Ginger Theis-Stevens, the nonprofit's Director of Marketing and Development. Gift cards can be mailed to KIDS Center or dropped off in the drop box by the front door. KIDS Center is located on Bend's westside at 1375 NW Kingston Avenue. Holiday lights will direct you to the drop box, so you can easily drop your card off day or night.

You can also donate online to the Gift Card Drive and KIDS Center will purchase gift cards on your behalf. Visit https://www.kidscenter.org/giftcards or donate to KIDS Center through Venmo (@kidscenter).

Last year, Whole Foods Community and Kroger/Fred Meyer Grants, along with members of the community, donated more than $8000 in gift cards, which helped struggling families over the course of 2024. Advocates continue to see a growing need in the region, so this year, KIDS Center has increased its goal for the drive and hopes to collect $10,000.

Says Theis-Stevens, "A gas card helps get a child to a therapy session or child abuse evaluation. A grocery card helps a family prepare a warm meal. You can make a profound impact in a family's life with every gift card you give. Ultimately, you're giving hope."

If you are interested in learning more or would like your business to participate in the Gift Card Drive, please reach out to Barbera Vella at bvella@kidscenter.org.

About KIDS Center: Built by the community in 1994, KIDS Center is a local non-profit leading our region's response to child abuse. KIDS Center is where hope and healing begins for children and families who have experienced abuse. KIDS Center provides independent child abuse evaluations, therapy and family advocacy—at no cost to families. Information about KIDS Center can be found at: kidscenter.org or by calling, (541) 383-5958. Anyone with a concern about a child’s safety can call the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).