Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc. is forming a new charitable organization to support the Bend, Ore., community and the areas it serves.

The new Les Schwab Foundation has committed $100,000 to support recovery efforts from the recent Silver Rail Elementary School shooting in the company's hometown, according to officials.

The company has pledged $40,000 to directly support Silver Rail Elementary's parent-teacher organization "to help students, families and educators with ongoing recovery." Les Schwab is also donating $30,000 to the surrounding Bend-La Pine Schools to address recovery across the district, and the company is partnering with the Oregon Community Foundation to direct $30,000 toward recovery.

“Taking care of our employees and the communities we serve has been a priority since Les Schwab founded our company 75 years ago. To honor his legacy and carry that commitment forward, we've established the Les Schwab Foundation,” says Tom Nolan, CEO of Les Schwab Tires.

“The Silver Rail tragedy happening in our own backyard is devastating, yet it makes the Les Schwab Foundation’s mission immediately actionable. The foundation gives us an intentional way to help employees in need, invest in nonprofit partners and respond to crises in the communities we serve."

The Les Schwab Foundation has been in development since May 2026, when Les Schwab Tires "formalized its commitment to accelerate crisis recovery," say company officials. "Les Schwab Tires has long prioritized supporting its communities and the employees who serve them, with the foundation now providing a dedicated platform for targeted assistance." 

“All of us at Bend-La Pine Schools are incredibly grateful for the Les Schwab Foundation’s generous support,” says Scott Maben, spokesperson for the Bend-La Pine school district. “This commitment will directly support the Silver Rail Elementary School community as it recovers from the October 15th tragedy.” 

“Oregon Community Foundation is proud to partner with Les Schwab Foundation in support of the Bend community,” says Kenny Parsons, philanthropic advisor and regional director for Central and Eastern Oregon. “All of us at Oregon Community Foundation have been inspired by the way Oregonians have come together with generosity, compassion and resolve to support students, families and educators affected by this tragedy.”