The church's mailroom served as a vital connection point for homeless individuals, sorting mail for them. This service was particularly crucial in the days leading up to Christmas.
Bend News & Updates
Stay informed about the latest events and activities in Bend
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Scout troops in Bend have finished their Christmas tree collection efforts. They added an extra day to ensure all missed trees were picked up.
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Boy Scout troops in Bend are providing a third round of Christmas tree pickups this weekend. The service will focus on residents in southwest Bend.
Before disposing of a live-cut Christmas tree, remember to remove all trimmings like tinsel, garland, and ornaments. This allows the tree to be repurposed for wildlife habitat.
Friday, January 9, 2026
The Caller-Times Children's Christmas Appeal successfully raised $29,561 for families in need within the Coastal Bend area. This annual initiative involved reporters being assigned families to support during the holiday season.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
West Bend will be collecting Christmas trees from January 12-15 on regular garbage pickup days. Residents should ensure trees are free of plastic bags and decorations before placing them out for collection.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
The City of South Bend is offering free Christmas tree recycling for all residents within city limits. The program runs through January 29th, with trees being picked up on the regular trash day.
The City of South Bend has begun a free Christmas tree recycling program that will continue through the end of January. Residents can place trees on the curb for pickup on their regular trash day.
Monday, January 5, 2026
South Bend residents can recycle their natural Christmas trees for free starting January 5th. This city-run program provides a convenient way to dispose of holiday trees.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
The City of South Bend is providing a free Christmas tree recycling service for residents. To participate, individuals must schedule a pickup through the city's website or by calling 311. The collected trees will be processed into mulch and compost.
Saturday, January 3, 2026
The North Bend Fire Department is organizing its annual Christmas tree pickup service for residents. Residents should place undecorated Christmas trees at the curb the night before pickup.
Thursday, January 1, 2026
The Rush County Community Choir's Christmas cantata has been rescheduled. It will now take place on Sunday, January 11th, with two available times and locations.
Richfield is providing a free Christmas tree disposal service for community members. Residents are encouraged to dispose of dry trees promptly to prevent fire hazards.
The Bandits baseball team is holding a Christmas tree pickup fundraiser in Sisters. This initiative supports local kids and offers a convenient way to dispose of trees.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
The Christ Church display is bringing Christmas spirit to the community. Attendees enjoyed feeding and learning about magnificent sheep brought by River Bend Farm.
With Christmas over, many are looking for alternatives to landfills for their trees. This article explores various options for repurposing live Christmas trees.
The 51st annual Christmas Bird Count at Cheyenne Bottoms has recorded an all-time high species count. Volunteers and staff participated in this significant ornithological event.
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
A fire broke out in an attached garage on NW Terra Meadow Drive on Christmas Eve. Bend Fire & Rescue responded rapidly to the incident.
Central Oregon residents are encouraged to recycle their natural Christmas trees. Boy Scout troops have collected trees for recycling in Bend in previous years.
Sunday, December 28, 2025
A Swinging Birdland Christmas has returned to Birdland Jazz Club for its 16th consecutive year. This annual holiday tradition continues to be a popular festive event.
For 50 years, Pawnee County Christmas Angels was led by the Fort Larned Lions Club, and stepping into that legacy was an honor. The organization expresses deep gratitude for its continued support.
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Downtown Bend remained busy with shoppers the day after Christmas, indicating a strong shopping spirit. However, sales were still less than the previous year.
A garage fire occurred on Christmas Eve just before 2 p.m., causing significant damage. The fire destroyed the garage and led to smoke damage in the attached home.
Mt. Bachelor is hosting a variety of events to keep visitors entertained between Christmas and New Year's Day. These activities offer festive fun for all.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Chan's in Bend is preparing for a busy Christmas Eve, as getting Chinese food has become a tradition for many families. This event highlights a unique cultural aspect of holiday dining in the Bend area.
Members of Heartland Community Church are preparing to serve a community lunch on Christmas Day. This event provides a meal for those in need during the holiday.
Get into the holiday spirit this Christmas with "Broadway Jukebox: Songs for a Broadway Christmas." This event offers a festive musical experience for the holiday season.
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Central Oregon Scouting America is offering Christmas tree recycling pickup services in Bend, Sunriver, Madras, Prineville, and Redmond. This service will be available over the next two weekends.
After a delayed start, Mt. Bachelor has officially opened for the ski and snowboard season. The resort welcomed eager riders just in time for the Christmas holiday.
The Oliver Mansion in South Bend is hosting 'Christmas at Copshaholm' from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on December 7th. This event offers a festive holiday experience at the historic mansion.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Many Christmas tree lots in Central Oregon have closed for the season. However, some locations are extending their hours to allow more time for purchases.
An Ugly Christmas Sweater and Beer Pong Tournament with karaoke is scheduled to take place. The event is located at 70 SW Century Dr in Bend, OR.
Bend's goth night, Katacombs, will be hosting 'A Nightmare After Christmas' featuring a DJ. The event is scheduled from 7-10 p.m. at Silver.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is advising travelers to plan ahead due to a strong windstorm expected on Christmas Eve. This may impact travel plans across the state.
Enchantment in the Park, a popular holiday lights display, is open through Christmas Eve. The event is located at Regner Park, 800 N. Main St., West Bend.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Shepherd's House Ministries hosted its annual Christmas dinner at the men's shelter in Bend, serving a full meal to those in need. They are also accepting donations of specific food items to support their efforts.
Families gathered at the Coastal Bend Food Bank for a Christmas movie day filled with snacks and pajamas. The event also featured Santa photos and a surprise visit.
Shepherd's House Ministries held its annual Christmas dinner at their men's shelter in Bend, providing a full meal to the community. They are currently accepting donations to support this initiative.
The Great Bend Tribune extends warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone in the Golden Belt and beyond. They shared holiday art from the First Christian Church celebrating the Nativity story.
Priyanka Chopra has recorded the Hindi version of George Michael's 'Last Christmas' for Gurinder Chadha's new film. The 'Bend It Like Beckham' director confirmed plans for a potential film collaboration with Chopra.
Monday, December 22, 2025
Downtown South Bend Inc. has decorated Gridiron Plaza with a Christmas tree and other festive lights. These holiday decorations are a final festive display for the season.
Lovina and Daniel recently baked Christmas cookies for the 2025 holiday season. The article also mentions a personal health update from Brooklyn.
Jonathan Wilburn and his family, The Wilburns, along with Gold City, are performing at a Christmas Sunday worship event. This event offers a wonderful time of worship just before Christmas.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Mid Oregon Credit Union staff presented funds to the La Pine Christmas Basket Association. This initiative highlights member generosity in supporting area food banks during the holiday season.
Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc. (WEC) is sponsoring 97 children through its Christmas for Kids program. This initiative provides support to children in need during the holiday season.
The Coastal Bend area is filled with holiday cheer as Christmas approaches. Events include twinkle lights and Santa sightings, offering festive activities for the weekend.
The NORAD Santa Tracker is continuing its 70-year Christmas tradition, which originated from a phone mix-up. Despite weather conditions, the tracker follows Santa's journey.
Events happening in the Mid-Ohio Valley include the Butcher Bend Christmas Festival and the Country Christmas Cruise. These events offer holiday festivities for attendees.
Friday, December 19, 2025
Shepherd's House is hosting Christmas dinners in Bend and Redmond for those in need this holiday season. They are seeking food donations to help make these meals possible for the community.
Shari Miller, who has operated the Christmas Craft Mall LLC in Great Bend for 35 years, is now facing issues with Kansas food licensing. This marks the first time she has encountered such problems with the business.
The 42nd annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival is returning to the Coastal Bend on January 10th. This beloved event celebrates Christmas with music, dance, and drama.
The deadline to donate to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times' Children's Christmas Appeal is Christmas Eve, December 24th. As of December 17th, the appeal has raised $23,456, surpassing last year's total at this time.
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Shepherd's House Ministries in Bend is preparing to share Christmas with Central Oregon families by providing free community Christmas dinners. They are currently seeking donations to support this initiative.
A Bend church transformed its annual holiday dinner into a comprehensive Christmas celebration. They provided gifts and financial assistance to eighty local families in need.
The West Bend Community Memorial Library is hosting a special Storytime with Santa event. This festive occasion offers children a chance to hear Christmas stories and engage with Santa.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
The "Christmas on Main" celebration in North Bend has proven to be a successful and enduring tradition. This event continues to bring holiday cheer to the community.
Summer's Flooring in Bend is participating in the KTVZ Central Oregon Toy Drive to share holiday joy. Donations are being collected to ensure local families have a Merry Christmas.
Experience "Ebenezer Scrooges Big Bend Christmas Show," a musical performance featuring classic characters and holiday spirit. The show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and costs $47.
The Salvation Army in South Bend is busy preparing toys for families to ensure they can celebrate Christmas. Their efforts aim to make the holiday special for those in need.
Various Santa appearances are scheduled across the region, including in Bend, during the final week leading up to Christmas. Residents can find opportunities to visit Santa before the holiday.
Local chefs in Bend are providing prepared meals for Christmas Day, including brunch and dinner options. These services allow residents to enjoy the holiday without the stress of cooking.
Chefs in Central Oregon reveal their unconventional ways of celebrating Christmas, often deviating from traditional roasts like turkey or ham. Their holiday meals feature diverse and surprising culinary choices.
Sisters Bakery is offering a special Christmas menu filled with delicious holiday treats. Customers can enjoy festive baked goods, with options for both walk-in purchases and pre-orders.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
The Reindeer Room is a holiday pop-up bar located at River's Edge Golf Course in Bend, OR. This festive event offers a seasonal experience for attendees.
Enjoy a "Swingin' Tower Christmas Concert" at the Tower Theatre in Bend, OR. The event is scheduled for December 19, 2025.
Central Oregon scouts are collecting Christmas trees for recycling. Residents outside of Bend can request a pickup by contacting their local scout troop.
A toy run was held at The Bend Motorsport Park to raise funds and collect gifts for those in need this Christmas. The event aimed to keep the Christmas spirit rolling.
Monday, December 15, 2025
Thousands gathered to watch the Tailem Bend Christmas Parade, where Santa Claus made an appearance. Local businesses and community groups participated in the festive event.
Moody Gardens offers several amazing holiday attractions, including Lights in the Heights with a historical vibe. This highlights some of Houston's unique and less-known Christmas activities.
Sunday, December 14, 2025
The Big Bend Museum is hosting a Christmas Painting Workshop on December 13, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m. This festive event offers a creative way to celebrate the holiday season.
In Bend, Oregon, the Scouts of America are assisting residents with recycling their Christmas trees after the holidays. This initiative helps the community manage post-holiday waste.
The South Bend Tribune's 'What to Watch' section highlights "Rodeo Christmas Romance." This festive movie is part of the holiday entertainment offerings.
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Central Oregon is hosting a variety of events this weekend, including a local Marker's Market and a pet Christmas party. These festive gatherings offer opportunities for community engagement and holiday fun.
Portland is continuing its "Christmas on the Coast" festivities throughout the weekend. A highlight of the celebration is the Illuminated Tinsel Trot scheduled for Saturday.
Friday, December 12, 2025
Experience the holiday season with Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Bend Christmas Show, running from November 28 to December 21. This festive performance brings a classic holiday tale to life.
Join a Christmas ornament painting workshop to get into the holiday spirit. This event offers a creative way to prepare for the festive season.
Head to Tailem Bend this Saturday for the annual Christmas parade and festivities. This event promises a day of holiday cheer and community celebration.
Hundreds of gifts have been donated to the Salvation Army for Christmas Day through the Barker Christmas gift-giving program. This initiative aims to help local families in need.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
The Coastal Bend Food Bank received $74,602 in donations during the 3NEWS Share Your Christmas event to help feed needy families this holiday season. H-E-B also contributed $20K, and AEP donated $10K to support the food bank's efforts.
The Woodlands area guide features various Christmas light displays, including Forest Valley Bend in Conroe. Lace Flower Way is highlighted for its 20,000 lights synced to Christmas music, offering a walk-through experience with arches.
Trish Creach has been named the Grand Marshal for the upcoming Christmas Parade on Saturday, which is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM. The event is a highlight for the Lake of the Ozarks community.
This article shares a personal account of the experience of hunting for a Christmas tree in Central Oregon. It contrasts the traditional hunt with purchasing a pre-cut tree.
The Sterling College Forensics team achieved first place at the annual Christmas Classic tournament hosted by Cameron University. They brought home 23 Nutcrackers, distinguishing their victory from typical trophy awards.
A Maryland family is facing hundreds of dollars in fines from their HOA for Christmas lights and decorations. Other neighbors with similar decorations have not received violation notices.
The 38th annual 'Share Your Christmas' food drive, a collaboration between the Coastal Bend Food Bank and KIII 3 News, is underway to help families in need. Donations can be made online, by text, or in person to spread holiday hope.
The South Bend Tribune Events lists the Fire Arts 2025 Annual Resident Artist Holiday Show. This event is part of the holiday programming in the area, which also includes 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever' at the South Bend Civic Theatre.