Bend church toy, bake sale helps kids here, abroad

Over the weekend, Bend’s First United Methodist Church held a toy and bake sale fundraiser, where the proceeds will benefit children locally and globally. The gently used toys, games and books were donated by the community.

Proceeds from the sale will go directly to Family Access Network and First United Methodist Church’s “Imagine No Malaria” project, which will help children in various African countries.

Beth Bengston was in charge of the sale and thanked the people who helped in making it happen.

“We’ve had so many people from the community and the church who have donated items to the sale, and I just feel blessed to work at a great church and a great community of Bend,” Bengston said.

This is the second year the church has hosted this sale, and it hopes to continue it with the help of the community for years to come.