Bend Fire Dept.’s Santa Express back for 2018

The Bend Fire Department is once again conducting its annual food drive, Santa Express, during the evenings of four days next week. Santa Claus will arrive on a fire engine to help firefighters collect donations.

Although the economy has recovered, there is still a need for support of local food banks and charities. In 2017, the Salvation Army and Santa Express collected nearly 3,000 pounds of food, as well as much-needed clothing and toys to help those in need in the Bend community.

Anything and everything helps, even one can of food or a small toy will help provide a good dinner and a nice gift on Christmas, and a smile on a child’s face. The Salvation Army also recognizes the need for gifts for teenage age kids as well. Please join the Bend Fire Department in supporting our community!

Bend Fire Department’s Santa Express food and clothing drive is heading into several Bend neighborhoods Monday, December 3 rd through Thursday, December 6 th . The Bend Firefighters Association and Bend Fire Department are working with the Salvation Army to collect non-perishable food items, clothing, and toys (new toys are preferred) for families in need in the Bend and Central Oregon area. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to listen for the fire engine and Santa and to bring donations to the street for collection. There will be many volunteers walking along with Santa and the engines to collect the donated items. Please advise children to use caution around the moving fire vehicles.

The Santa Express schedule is as follows :

Monday, December 3 : Terrango Glen and Lava Ridges

Tuesday, December 4 : Larkspur, Foxborough and Sun Meadow

Wednesday, December 5 : Northwest Crossing

Thursday, December 6 : Providence, areas North and South of Neff Road.

Maps are available at www.bendoregon.gov/santaexpress

If we don’t come through your neighborhood, you can always drop off non-perishable foods, new toys or clothing to::

Bend Fire Department Fire Stations – maps and directions can be found on our webpage The Salvation Army – 515 NE Dekalb Ave. Firkus Plumbing – 558 SE Glenwood Drive Boxes will be in place until Friday Dec. 14.

Thanks in advance from the Bend Fire Department, the Bend Firefighters Association, 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.

For more information on Santa Express, please contact Brandon Ladd 541-322-6300