Bend Salvation Army issues Red Kettle plea
Because no child should go without a toy this Christmas, no family without food, and no person without a roof over their head. These are just many of the reasons you should give to a Salvation Army Red Kettle this season. The Salvation Army anticipates making Christmas possible for over 2,300 kids across Deschutes County this year and needs the community’s help.
“This year, the need is greater than last year, it has nearly doubled, and we need the communities help to make Christmas possible for over 2,300 kids in Deschutes County. Right now, new unwrapped toys are our biggest need,” said Captain Michael Johnson, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army in Bend.
“We are also distributing toys in three locations – Redmond, La Pine and Bend – to ensure people who do not have reliable transportation have everything they need to make Christmas possible this year.”
Johnson said the local Red Kettle Campaign needs to raise $61,500 by Christmas to reach its program goals.
The Salvation Army will continue collecting toys at 515 NE Dekalb Ave, Bend, until December 22 and will continue bell ringing up to Christmas Eve. The funds raised in the Red Kettles stay in Deschutes County, where they are given, to support those in need. “Your gift today will help people tomorrow, right here in Deschutes County,” Johnson said.
DONATION INFORMATION
There are many ways to help: purchase a new unwrapped toy, donate online or volunteer at a Red Kettle.
Make Christmas possible for a child in need by dropping off a new unwrapped toy at The Salvation Army (515 NE Dekalb Ave, Bend, OR 97701) located next to Bend Senior High School between 9:00 AM – 4 :00 PM, Monday – Friday.
Pick up a tag from our Tree of Joy a the Old Mill District or from Desert Orthopedics ( 1303 NE Cushing Dr #100, Bend, OR 97701).
To learn more about the work of The Salvation Army in Deschutes County, to volunteer or make a donation; please visit bend.salvationarmy.org or visit them at 515 NE Dekalb Ave, Bend, OR 97701.
About the Red Kettle Campaign
From its humble origin as a fundraiser started by a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable campaigns in the United States. As part of the campaign, more than 25,000 Salvation Army workers and volunteers spread throughout the country to ring bells and solicit spare change donations to the iconic red kettles from holiday shoppers. Last year, money raised helped The Salvation Army provide food, clothing, toys and other assistance to 30 million Americans in need. Donate now to help our neighbors in need Deschutes County at RedKettleBend.org.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. The Salvation Army works in 129 countries worldwide.
For more information, or to make a donation, visit us online at bend.salvationarmy.org. People wishing to make monetary donations can do so by calling 541.389.8888, or by mail, The Salvation Army, 515 NE Dekalb Ave, Bend, OR 97701.
