This holiday season, Central Oregonians can give a child and family much-needed support by taking part in KIDS Center’s toy and gift card drive, “Hope for the Holidays.” Now through December 15, KIDS Center is collecting gift cards and toys to distribute to children and families impacted by abuse.
This year, KIDS Center expects to serve 500 children and families across the region. “Many of our families are under stress, which can affect a child’s healing process.”
Gift cards offer immediate relief for families. Throughout the year, KIDS Center’s family advocates distribute $10,000 in gift cards to client families. Gift cards to gas stations, grocery stores, and big box stores offer the most impact, notes Nikki Guthrie, Family Advocate.
“A gas card can help a child reach KIDS Center for a therapy session or child abuse evaluation. A grocery card can offer a family warm meals for the week. Gift cards to big box stores help families buy diapers and other necessities. Gift cards give families much-needed stability so they can focus on healing.”
“We encourage people to pick up a gift card while they’re doing their holiday shopping,” explains Ginger Theis-Stevens, the nonprofit’s Director of Marketing and Development. Gift cards can be mailed to KIDS Center or dropped off in the dropbox by the front door. KIDS Center is located on Bend’s westside at 1375 NW Kingston Ave, Bend OR 97703.
You can also donate online to the Gift Card Fund and KIDS Center will purchase gift cards on your behalf. Visit https://kidscenter.org/giftcards.
Along with gift cards, KIDS Center also collects toys to give a little joy to children who have experienced abuse. “Our toy wish list on Amazon is a great place to start,” says Theis-Stevens. “You can order toys and have them shipped directly to KIDS Center, or purchase toys in town and bring them (unwrapped) to KIDS Center during our regular business hours (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm).”
If you are interested in learning more or would like your business to participate in “Hope for the Holidays,” please reach out to Barbera Vella at bvella@kidscenter.org.
