Bend Fire’s Santa Express, Coat Drive are back for 2024 holiday season, seeking your donations for those in need

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Santa and the Bend Fire Department's Santa Express are back spreading holiday cheer! We will be driving through neighborhoods with our friend Santa collecting food, clothing and toys to support The Salvation Army.

Collection bins have been placed at all our fire stations for any donations between now and Friday December 13^th.

In 2023, The Salvation Army and Santa Express collected thousands of pounds of food plus much-needed clothing and toys to over 600 families in the Bend area.

Anything and everything help, 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! 2024 has brought more community need this year and we’re asking for your help and support. 

Known community needs:
- Kids (all ages) winter coats 
- Teen and Pre-Teen Christmas gifts (t-shirts, sweatshirts, bath/body products, gift cards, sports supplies, etc)

Here is a list of the neighborhoods for our nightly walks. Maps available upon request.
- Monday December 2^nd - Pineridge, River Canyon and Aspen Rim neighborhoods 
- Wednesday December 4^th - Foxborough, Larkspur, Sun Meadow neighborhoods 
- Wednesday December 5^th - Three Pines Ridge, Shevlin Ridge and Shevlin Meadows neighborhoods

Drop off non-perishable foods, new toys or clothing at any of these locations. Boxes will be in place until Friday December 13:

• Bend Fire & Rescue Fire Stations – blue recycling bins will be at each system for drop offs:
  • West Fire Station – 1212 SW Simpson Ave
  • East Fire Station – 62420 Hamby Rd
  • North Fire Station – 63377 Jamison St
  • South Fire Station – 61080 Country Club Dr
  • Tumalo Fire Station – 64725 Cook Ave 
  • Pilot Butte Fire Station – 425 NE 15^th St 
• The Salvation Army – 515 NE Dekalb Ave.

If you can’t make it any of these locations and would like someone to come by and pick up your donation in the Bend area, please call our office at 541-322-6386 to arrange a curbside pickup. 

Thanks ahead of time from Bend Firefighters Association, Bend Fire & Rescue, Cascade Disposal 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.