Assistance League of Bend invited local foster families to the 30th Annual Breakfast with Santa at the Pine Tavern in Bend on December 3, 2023.  After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, there were a record number of participants. Event co-chair Dana Barron shared,  “We’re just thrilled to be able to bring this event back to the community, because it’s something that people have looked forward to every holiday season.” The event included a complimentary breakfast for local foster families and the children had an opportunity to chat with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Other activities included cookie decorating and face painting. “It is one of the very few programs in Central Oregon that treats the whole foster family, not just the foster child,” said Janet Martin, event organizer and Assistance League president. “It is a heart-warming experience to see the joy in the children’s faces when they meet Santa.”