Support children across Central Oregon this Giving Tuesday at KIDS Center
KTVZ
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Giving Tuesday is coming up Tuesday, December 3, and Central Oregonians have a special opportunity to give back to their community by donating to KIDS Center, our region’s Children’s Advocacy Center.
The public is invited to stop by KIDS Center’s parking lot on Giving Tuesday and make a gift.
“Give an amount that’s meaningful to you and know that your gift will change children’s lives,” says Ginger Theis-Stevens, KIDS Center’s Director of Development and Marketing.
KIDS Center provides no-cost child abuse evaluations, which include a forensic interview and child-friendly medical exam. KIDS Center also supports children and families with a family advocate and therapist.
KIDS Center has seen a steady increase in referrals across the region. The nonprofit expects to serve a record 500 Central Oregon children this year, primarily from Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties.
“Distance can be a considerable barrier for some families,” notes KIDS Center’s Executive Director Gil Levy. “We want to ensure that every child and family can get the help they need, no matter where they live.”
To better serve the region, including communities in Harney, Sherman and Wheeler counties, KIDS Center is launching a mobile clinic in 2026. This clinic will respond to urgent needs for child abuse evaluations and drive out to communities when families can’t reach Bend.
“On Giving Tuesday, you have a chance to support hope and healing for children all across Central Oregon,” says Theis-Stevens. Giving Tuesday donations will go directly towards the operation of the new mobile clinic. Every gift will have double the impact, thanks to an anonymous donor who will match donations up to $5,000.
Staff and volunteers will be in the KIDS Center parking lot from 10 am to 2 pm to collect drive-up donations. People stopping by can give by check, cash, credit card or Venmo. Pacific Perks Coffee will be onsite from 10 am to 2 pm, and their “perkologists” will whip up a complimentary coffee drink for every person who donates to KIDS Center.
KIDS Center is located on Bend’s westside at 1375 NW Kingston Ave, Bend OR 97703.
If your route doesn’t take you by KIDS Center on Giving Tuesday, you can also donate online at www.kidscenter.org or send a donation through Venmo to @kidscenter.
About KIDS Center: Built by the community in 1994, KIDS Center is the regional Children’s Advocacy Center for Central Oregon. KIDS Center is where hope and healing begins for children and families who have experienced abuse. KIDS Center provides independent child abuse evaluations, therapy and family advocacy—at no cost to families. Information about KIDS Center can be found at: kidscenter.org or by calling, (541) 383-5958. Anyone with a concern about a child’s safety can call the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).