BEND, OR -- An upcoming event aims to help families get rid of unwanted items while helping others prepare for the new school year. Marika Yuma says the annual Central Oregon Great Giveaway began in Bend 14 years ago. "It started out as a smaller clothing swap between some local congregations, here, and it has just ballooned from there. Now, we have these four different areas: Bend, La Pine, Prineville and Redmond; and we also have other community organizations and churches involved."
Yuma tells KBND News they are still accepting donations in good condition for Saturday's events. "People can come to these three different locations and donate their items, then on Saturday at each of these locations, anyone can come and take what they need and make some great finds for their family – clothing or bedding or books or toys. Really, it’s just a wonderful exchange of goods and items that we don’t need anymore and someone else might be able to use that." This Saturday’s giveaways are in Bend, La Pine and Prineville. Another giveaway will take place in Redmond on August 27. She says they still need more volunteers to help sort and organize donations.