Redmond, Ore. – In a show of community stewardship, Redmond Fire & Rescue is partnering with the Kiwanis Club of Redmond to run a holiday food drive that will run from Oct. 30 through Dec. 31, 2026. The effort is designed to gather essential, non‑perishable foods for families facing hardship during Thanksgiving and the Christmas season.
How to Donate
Donations can be dropped off at the Redmond Fire & Rescue downtown station, located at 341 NW Dogwood Ave. The fire department is asking for canned goods, pasta, rice, boxed meals and other shelf‑stable items. Volunteers and residents are encouraged to bring contributions during regular station hours.
Leadership’s Perspective
Fire Chief Ryan Herrera emphasized that the department’s mission extends beyond emergency response. “Our mission goes beyond emergency response—we’re committed to supporting the community in every way we can,” Herrera said. “Partnering with the Kiwanis Club of Redmond allows us to make a real difference for families during the holidays.”
Kiwanis Club’s Role
The Kiwanis Club of Redmond, known for its long‑standing tradition of local service, helped organize the drive and will assist with promotion, volunteer coordination and distribution of the collected food. Club members noted that the partnership leverages the fire station’s central location and the Kiwanis network of volunteers to reach as many residents as possible.
Why It Matters
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in many Central Oregon neighborhoods, especially as the cost of living rises. By providing a convenient drop‑off point and rallying community members, the drive aims to ensure that families have enough to put on the table during the most celebrated holidays of the year.
How to Help Beyond Donations
Residents who cannot contribute food items are still welcome to support the initiative by spreading the word on social media, encouraging friends and neighbors to donate, or volunteering to sort and pack the collected items. The fire department and Kiwanis Club will share updates on progress and distribution dates as the drive moves forward.
Contact Information
For questions about the food drive, donation guidelines or volunteer opportunities, please contact Redmond Fire & Rescue at (541) 555‑1234 or visit the station during business hours.
The partnership reflects a broader commitment by local institutions to uphold family stability, community solidarity, and the Christian principle of caring for one’s neighbor. As the holiday season approaches, Redmond’s public‑safety and service organizations are leading by example, inviting all residents to join in a collective effort to feed those in need.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
