Outdoor gear drive for homeless veterans

Pine Mountain Sports will be accepting donations of camping and outdoor gear for Central Oregon Veterans Outreach from June 29th-July 8th in the shop.

Central Oregon Veterans Outreach (COVO) is in need of outdoor and clothing items to help support the growing homeless Veteran population in Central Oregon. COVO is currently serving more than 50 individuals in Bend alone, with women with children being the fastest growing segment of the population.

Pine Mountain Sports, an outdoor recreation retailer, is asking all Central Oregon residents to look through their garages, attics and storage sheds for appropriate camp gear and outdoor items that aren’t being used and drop them off at the shop, located at 255 SW Century Dr. in Bend between 10am-6pm Monday-Friday, or between 9am-6pm on the weekend. These items will be donated to COVO and distributed to the homeless Vets in our community.

Items needed include:
1-2 person tents
5-6 gallon water containers
Tarps/rain gear
Small camp stoves
Sweaters/outdoor clothing
Sleeping bags/ pads
Dog food
Feminine Hygiene products
Socks, underwear
Non-perishable food

“Last year’s drive was very successful,” said Dan McGarigle, owner, Pine Mountain Sports. “Unfortunately, the need is so great that we’ve needed to host another drive. Most of us have items in our garages that we aren’t using that could make a huge difference to these folks. Bring any useable items to the store, and we’ll make sure they go to those Veterans in need. “