The Bend Fire Department will be collecting nonperishable food items, toys and clothing for local needy families, starting Monday through Dec. 6.
The annual Santa Express food and clothing drive will take place at various Bend locations, starting with visits to Morning Star, Wishing Well and Phoenix Park areas Monday.
Neighborhood residents are encouraged to bring their donations out to the street for collection when the Santa Express arrives.
On Tuesday, the department will visit Foxborough, Larkspur and Sun Meadow neighborhoods. On Wednesday it will be in the Providence neighborhood and areas north and south of Neff Road.
The department’s final visits will be neighborhoods in the NorthWest Crossing and Skyliner Summit areas.
Donations can also be dropped off at any Bend Fire Department station through Dec. 14. Donations will also be accepted at Bend Memorial Clinic, Ed Wyse Beauty Supply, Pappy’s Pizza, Goulart Chiropractic, Red Robin, The Salvation Army, Wholesale Sports and several Starbucks locations.
Children should use caution around the moving fire engines during the charity drive.
Contact: www.bendoregon.gov or 541-322-6309.
— From staff reports