Bethlehem Inn Kicks Off Food Drive for Shelters
Bethlehem Inn, which runs shelters in Bend and Redmond, has begun its annual Harvest for Hope Food Drive. This initiative aims to fill its pantries ahead of winter.
The organization urgently needs food donations to support its meal program, which serves three meals daily to residents. Right now, they’re helping around 180 adults and children each day.
They’re asking for items like:
- Coffee and creamer
- Oatmeal and cereal
- Snack packs and fruit cups
- Lunch meat and sliced cheese
- Granola and breakfast bars
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Instant soup cups
You can drop off donations at Bethlehem Inn’s Bend campus (20363 Mervin Sampels Road) or the Redmond campus (517 NW Birch Ave) from Monday to Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Local businesses are also setting up donation boxes for non-perishable items. For a list of these partners, visit bethleheminn.org/harvestforhope.
Bethlehem Inn is Central Oregon’s largest emergency shelter. Each year, it provides safety, case management, and over 100,000 meals to more than 1,100 individuals facing homelessness. A recent survey revealed that 60% of those experiencing homelessness struggle with food insecurity, making these donations even more critical.
This year’s food drive is not just about collecting items; it’s a way to bring the community together. Social media trends show increased interest in local charity events, with hashtags like #HarvestForHope gaining traction, as residents share their donations online.
Let’s support our community and help those in need this winter.
