Thanks to our generous donors, the 2025 Central Oregon Gives Campaign will provide new clothes for 75 local children in need during our upcoming Operation School Bell shopping event. Children select items that fit and reflect their personal style, fostering dignity, confidence, and a sense of belonging. The benefits extend well beyond physical comfort, new clothes nurture emotional well-being, boost self-esteem, improve school attendance, and inspire success in and out of the classroom.

Working with the care facilities, volunteers gathered personalized gift requests—from warm socks and blankets to books and keepsakes—bringing comfort and joy to each recipient. On December 16, the festive “Secret Santa Squad” delivered  405 wrapped gifts to Medicaid patients, ensuring seniors felt remembered and cared for during the holidays.

Now in its third decade, this tradition continues to remind seniors that they are valued members of the community.

Assistance League of Bend and Pine Tavern once again partnered to serve a complimentary breakfast to local foster families. “This is one of the very few programs in Central Oregon that treats the whole foster family, not just the foster child,” said Dana Barron, event organizer. “It is a heartwarming experience to see the joy on the children’s faces when they meet Santa.”

Reservations filled quickly and the event sold out again this year. The general public can participate after the foster family reservations are filled and proceeds from the breakfast help fund the event for the foster families. 

This event has become a much-anticipated and beloved tradition in Bend, with some families returning year after year—like the Hopp family, who have taken part for over 30 years (pictured here).

This event represents more than just raising funds—it’s a celebration of what we can achieve together as a community. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and volunteered, and we are honored to work alongside such committed partners who share our vision of helping children succeed.

Assistance League of Bend extends heartfelt thanks to our presenting sponsors for their support: Cascade Disposal, Team Fitch John L. Scott Real Estate, Lucia Capital Group, Phagans’ Cosmetology Colleges, OnPoint Community Credit Union and Cascade Village. Their contributions were instrumental in making this year’s event a tremendous success.

With the help of our community, we are able to provide more than just clothing—we’re giving children the tools to build a brighter future. Thank you to all who helped make Raise a Glass for the Kids an unforgettable celebration of generosity and compassion.

To see Raise a Glass for the Kids in action on News Channel 21, click here.

The benefits extend well beyond physical comfort. New clothes nurture emotional well-being, boost self-esteem, improve school attendance, and inspire success in and out of the classroom.

This year’s event was held on Sunday, October 5, at the Redmond High School. Assistance League members distributed free handmade knitted hats, rice and lavender heat packs, and “knitted knocker” breast prostheses to cancer patients and survivors. They will also took orders for comfort shawls.

“We’re thrilled to support Heaven Can Wait, our members volunteer hundreds of hours throughout the year knitting and crocheting hats, ‘knockers’ and comfort shawls in support of cancer patients. A cancer diagnosis is devastating, and so many of the women we meet are so upbeat and encouraging. We are honored to participate again this year,” said Carol Hastings, Hats and More Committee Chair.

Since its inception, Assistance League of Bend’s Hats and More program has supplied thousands of hats, “knitted knockers,” and comfort shawls to the infusion centers at St. Charles and Summit Health and participants at the annual Heaven Can Wait event. Assistance League members and community volunteers meet to handcraft each item locally.

For more information contact Renata Beck at programs@assistanceleaguebend.org

Ann Schmidt, from Assistance League of Bend told KTVZ News ” It costs about $125 to provide new school clothes to a child, and we are targeting to clothe about 2,700 kids. So do the math. It’s a pretty significant investment. We’re able to do that based on the success of Raise a Glass.”

Before the volunteers got to stuffing envelopes, they got a tour of the Assistance League to see some of the Assistance League’s other programs. The visitors from Columbia Bank were particularly impressed with Cinderella’s Closet, which is a large wardrobe of prom dresses and jewelry that anyone can borrow for school events. Assistance League of Bend is a proud 21 Cares for Kids partner. Click here to see the volunteers in action on KTVZ News.