New Bend toy drive takes off, aims to care for community

The Central Oregon Toy Drive, spearheaded by Leighton Tuttle, aims to bring joy to children at local shelters, Bethlehem Inn and Grandma's House. Tuttle, a substitute teacher, was motivated to create the drive after recognizing the vital services these shelters provide to families in need. Initially targeting a goal of 40 toys, the drive has already exceeded expectations, collecting over 80 toys within a month. To streamline donations, Tuttle set up an Amazon registry that highlights the specific needs of the shelters. His friend Tyler Regan, who is involved in local musical events, proposed organizing a benefit concert to broaden the toy drive's reach.

This collaboration aims to create an engaging community atmosphere while supporting a worthy cause. The toy drive emphasizes the importance of local community support during the holiday season, aiming to provide joy and hope to families facing challenges. Through their combined efforts, Tuttle and Regan are working to foster a spirit of giving and solidarity in Central Oregon.