The holiday time of year is always a good time for charities, fundraisers, and aid drives of various sorts. I’ll be posting about several of them here, starting with this press release from FAN and BendBroadband:

The Family Access Network (FAN) and BendBroadband are partnering up during the 2010 holiday season. For every dollar donated up to $ 2,000 BendBroadband will match your donation, dollar for dollar.  It takes $100 (less than $10 per month) per year to ensure that one child can receive help.  Your dollars will make a difference!  Double your donation $$ dollars this holiday season, keep your dollars local right here in Deschutes County and support local children and family members.

BendBroadband’s matched donation will be used to help address basic-needs for children and their families in Deschutes County.  The funds from the BendBroadband Holiday Matching Campaign will help provide essential services such as food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental care, including health insurance and more in Deschutes County.

“We are excited about FAN’s new partnership with BendBroadband and their support.  We appreciate this exciting opportunity to help children and families in need, especially during these difficult economic times,” Brooke Garcia, FAN Foundation Vice-Chair.

FAN began in January 1993 and currently employs 25 advocates in 48 school sites in Deschutes County.  FAN strives to improve lives by ensuring all children in Deschutes County have access to basic-need services. FAN is unique to Deschutes County, utilizing advocates to efficiently reach and connect disadvantaged children and families with basic needs, such as food, shelter, and health care.  At the end of the first fiscal year quarter (Sept. 2010) FAN surveys indicated a 43% increase from September of 2009.

BendBroadband is a local, family-owned business that has served Central Oregonians for more than 50 years. As a concerned local company, BendBroadband is proud of its contributions to the communities of Bend, Redmond, Sisters and Terrebonne.  BendBroadband supports corporate contributions and sponsorship efforts in two key areas: children and youth of our communities in their educational and athletic endeavors and enhancing the cultural experience in Bend, Redmond, Sisters and Terrebonne through arts and entertainment.

BendBroadband provides advertising support for thousands of public service announcements and also offers complimentary or discounted BendBroadband services to all public schools, fire stations, and a variety of nonprofit organizations.

To learn more about Family Access Network, visit www.familyaccessnetwork.org or call 693-5675.