BEND, Ore. — The PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning has donated a total of $4,200 to a local program that provides the homeless with job-seeking skills, and to a nonprofit that gives new school clothing and hygiene supplies to low-income children. The foundation is the charitable arm of Pacific Power.

The Bethlehem Inn is training central Oregon’s homeless population to prepare and apply for employment. Some of the subjects covered in the education program are resume writing, application preparation, interviewing skills, food handling and computer skills. The shelter helps 72 homeless people each night and serves 80,000 meals a year.

“Since 2004, the goal was set to transition two clients from homelessness to wholeness each month,” said Liz Hitt, Bethlehem Inn’s executive director. “With mentoring, training and education programs, the Inn has exceeded that goal.”

Operation School Bell® is a cooperative effort between the Assistance League of Bend and local schools that served 802 children this past school year. Volunteers help identified students select new clothing, including jeans, shirts, underwear, socks, shoes and a winter coat. The program seeks to help low-income children be successful in school by enhancing self-esteem and by helping students fit in with peers.

Recent statistics for Deschutes County show that 34 percent of children live below or close to the poverty level, according to the Assistance League of Bend. The children Operation School Bell works to help have significant economic need and some truly are destitute.

“These funds are going toward outstanding programs run by people who are working to improve the lives of our fellow citizens,” said Angela Jacobson, regional community manager for Pacific Power. “We believe we have a stake in the communities we serve, and this is one way Pacific Power can help.”

About the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning

The PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning was created and incorporated as a corporate foundation in 1988 and serves as the major channel of philanthropy for PacifiCorp, Pacific Power and Utah Power. To apply for a grant and to review specific eligibility requirements, please go to  www.pacificorpfoundation.org .

Media inquiries: newsdesk@pacificorp.com