Bend, Oregon – The Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue department, together with the Crooked River Ranch Volunteer Fire Association, is inviting the community to participate in a Holiday Giving Tree program aimed at supporting families in need throughout the area.
How the Giving Tree works
Starting on November 23, a decorated tree will be set up at the Crooked River Ranch fire station. Each branch holds a gift tag that lists specific items requested by a local family. Residents who wish to help can choose a tag, purchase the requested items, and bring the new, unwrapped gifts back to the station.
Donation timeline
All purchased gifts must be returned to the fire station no later than December 10. This deadline ensures that the items can be sorted, packaged, and distributed to families before the holiday season reaches its peak. Volunteers from the fire department will oversee the collection and delivery process.
Why the program matters
Many families in the Crooked River Ranch area face financial challenges that make holiday celebrations difficult. By providing a clear list of needed items, the Giving Tree helps donors give exactly what a family needs, avoiding duplicate or unnecessary gifts. The initiative also reinforces the fire department’s role as a community hub, fostering neighborly support and strengthening local bonds.
How to get involved
Anyone interested in participating can stop by the fire station during regular business hours to view the tree and select a tag. The fire department encourages donors to bring gifts directly to the station or to contact the volunteer fire association for alternative drop‑off options.
For those unable to purchase items, the program also welcomes monetary contributions that can be used to buy the requested gifts. All donations, whether in the form of goods or cash, will be handled transparently and directed toward the families identified on the tags.
Community response
Local residents have already expressed enthusiasm for the Giving Tree, noting that it offers a simple, organized way to give back during the holiday season. “It’s a wonderful way for our community to come together and make sure no family feels left out,” said a longtime volunteer with the fire association.
The fire department hopes the program will become an annual tradition, providing a reliable source of support for families each holiday season.
Contact information
For more details about the Holiday Giving Tree, including tag selection and drop‑off locations, please call Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue at (541) 555‑1234 or visit their website.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
