Assistance League^® of Bend volunteers ensure that the holiday wishes of local seniors are fulfilled through the nonprofit’s annual Secret Santa program. Seniors at 18 long-term care facilities in Bend, La Pine, Redmond and Sisters receive special holiday gifts, handpicked for them by their Secret Santa. Facility representatives speak with residents and obtain personalized gift requests, including size, color and interests.

The “Secret Santa Squad”, dressed in holiday colors and festive Santa hats, loaded up their “sleighs” and delivered the beautifully decorated packages to 379 seniors in time for Christmas. “The enthusiasm from both Assistance League of Bend members and our community volunteers will make a happy difference in the lives of seniors,” says Meredith Kellogg, Secret Santa program chair.

In addition to the dedicated members and valued community volunteers, employees of local businesses an members of local churches contribute gifts for seniors through the Secret Santa program. Click here to see the Secret Santa Squad in action on KTVZ.