AmeriCorps NCCC Teams Aim to Help Bend

Two AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) teams, Blue One and Blue Six, will be serving in Bend, Oregon from November 9 to December 18. Blue One will be assisting the Salvation Army with their winter holiday festivities. Blue Six will be working with The Environmental Center to create awareness for the Bend Energy Challenge.

The Salvation Army of Bend responds to community needs in a non-discriminatory manner. The Bend Corps runs the largest food pantry in Central Oregon. During the winter holidays, they organize and execute a toy drive.

Blue One will assist the Salvation Army in its efforts to gather and distribute food and Angel Tree toy drives for the winter holidays. Additionally, Blue One will assist with mobile kitchens and after school programs.

“After spending a few days on intake and data entry, I’m excited to see the process and the delivery of the toys and food to the community,” said Blue One team member Kate Flake.

The Environmental Center strives to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon. The mission ties directly to the Bend Energy Challenge by encouraging the community to participate in a national energy-saving competition with a $5 million prize on the line.

Blue Six will be canvassing the Bend area to educate the community about energy conservation. Additionally, they will be completing free direct installations of energy-efficient LED light bulbs and water-saving features for residents who qualify. Bend residents can learn more about the program and sign up to get free LEDs installed while the team is in town at www.bendenergychallenge.org/freebulbs.

“We’re very grateful to have the team here because it allows us to extend our reach well beyond our usual capabilities,” said Lindsey Hardy, Bend Energy Challenge Project Director. “Through this direct installation program, we’ll connect even more people with an easy and affordable way to save energy.”