MountainStar Family Relief Nursery is organizing the 6th Annual Bend Witches Paddle on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Riverbend Park in Bend. The free community gathering is designed to bring neighbors together, offering a chance for healing and tangible support for families still coping with the recent Silver Rail Elementary School shooting.
How to Participate
Anyone can join the paddle by wearing a witch‑themed costume and floating on a paddleboard along the Deschutes River. Spectators are welcome to watch from the shore. Admission is free, and participants are encouraged to bring donations of diapers, baby wipes and items requested for the Comfort & Calm Community Care Project.
Comfort & Calm Project
In honor of MountainStar’s 25th anniversary, the organization is running a month‑long drive to collect items that help young children feel safe during stressful times. Needed items include children’s books, cozy blankets, pajamas, new stuffed animals and sensory tools such as play‑dough, fidgets, soft lighting and puzzles. Donations can be dropped off at MountainStar locations in La Pine, Bend, Redmond, Madras and Prineville through the end of October.
Why the Event Matters
Executive Director Kara Tachikawa explained that the community’s response is vital after the tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary. “Our hearts are heavy as we grieve alongside our Central Oregon community,” Tachikawa said. “Connection, compassion and community matter deeply. We hope the Witches Paddle can provide a space for people to come together, find comfort in one another and be reminded of the strength and care that surrounds us.”
Supporting Local Families
The paddle and the Comfort & Calm drive both aim to provide practical assistance to families enrolled in MountainStar programs. By supplying essential items such as diapers and wipes, the community helps reduce daily burdens for parents navigating hardship. “Children thrive when they feel safe, loved and connected,” Tachikawa added. “Through this month’s project, we’re inviting our neighbors to create small but meaningful moments of comfort for children and families who may be navigating significant stress.”
Event Details
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Riverbend Park, Bend, Oregon
• Admission: Free
• Donation drop‑off sites: MountainStar facilities in La Pine, Bend, Redmond, Madras and Prineville
Community members are welcome to attend, paddle, and contribute the requested items. The event underscores the power of local solidarity in the wake of tragedy, reinforcing the bonds that keep Central Oregon strong.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
