Giving Tuesday makes an impact in Central Oregon

The Tuesday after a major weekend for holiday shopping is all about giving. The nationwide Giving Tuesday movement began in 2012 and is now making a difference for many organizations in Central Oregon.

On Tuesday, six local businesses teamed up with the KIDS Center, the only local organization that works with children and families who have experienced abuse. Last year was the first time the organization participated in Giving Tuesday, and it raised $6,000. This year, it hopes to beat that mark with the help of an anonymous donor who will match every dollar raised.

“Each and every year, our community steps up and supports this vital effort for some of our most vulnerable children and families,” KIDS Center Development Director Robin Antonson said. “We simply couldn’t help these families without the help from our community.”

There are six local businesses helping out this year, and you can donate items at each of them. They include: Jazzercise Bend Fitness Center, Leapin’ Lizards Toy Company, Nancy P’s Cafe and Bakery, Pinnacle Architecture, Pixpics.com, and Struble Orthodontics.

Struble Orthodontics is accepting personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, shampoo and soap. Blair Struble got her business involved, since she’s part of the board at the KIDS Center.

“So many families and children who experience abuse wouldn’t have a place to go” without the organization, Struble said.

“So the KIDS Center is so vital and so important, and providing health care items for them is one way we can give back.”

To participate, you can donate items at these local businesses throughout the week. Or you can go to kidscenter.org/givingtuesday to make a donation. You can also text @KIDS to 52014 to donate.

You can also find a list of the numerous local organizations taking part in Giving Tuesday here: https://www.givingtuesday.org/whats-happening-near-me

Hear from those participating on NewsChannel 21 Fox at 4 p.m.