Bend’s Pine Tavern gives back through holiday giving tree

It’s the season of giving, and the Bethlehem Inn provides help and housing to over one thousand homeless individuals each year.

“At this time of year, when people reach out and they do acts of kindness, I’ve watched big strong men break down in tears,” Chris Clouart, managing director of Bethlehem Inn, said Monday.

We spoke to one Bethlehem Inn resident with a 2-month-old son. She explained how the shelter helped her get back on her feet.

“It has helped tremendously, considering he was only one month old when I got here. Honestly, I wouldn’t have had anywhere else to go,” she said.

With the shelter helping so many, the Pine Tavern wanted to get involved. They decided to help the shelter by offering to host a “giving tree” for donations that will go to the families and individuals staying at the Bethlehem Inn.

Pine Tavern’s owner Bill McCormick explained, “Your heart goes out to them, and any time there’s an opportunity to jump in and participate and be part of the solution, we’re going to do it.”

The shelter residents were able to make a Christmas wish list for items that would make the cold weather more comfortable and the holidays more jolly.

“There’s people out there that are getting wet and soaked, and they need a jacket,” said Clouart said.

Item’s like sleeping bags, toys, and winter clothing are on many residents’ wish list. When you visit the Pine Tavern, you can choose an item to purchase to make someone’s Christmas wish come true. The gifts can then be dropped off at the Bethlehem Inn or left under the Pine Tavern holiday tree.

Donations can also be mailed to the Bethlehem Inn, P.O. Box 8540, Bend, OR 97708.

For more information, call the Bethlehem Inn at (541) 322-8768, visit http://www.bethlehem.org or call the Pine Tavern at (541) 382-5581.