Children receive early Christmas presents

Christmas came early for 31 children from Lyon County schools.

On Wednesday, students from Dayton, Sutro and Silver Springs elementary schools were taken by members of the Dayton Kiwanis Club to the Wal-Mart to shop for clothing.

"We do this once a year, around Christmas," said Bob Browne, club president-elect.

The students in this year's shopping spree were allowed to buy up to $75 worth of merchandise, according to program coordinator Jo Grzebyk.

The Kiwanis club conducts fund-raising events throughout the year to provide for the student shopping spree.

"We keep enough money for about 30 kids, and it's one of our best events of the year," Browne said. "All the money is saved up for the shopping spree."

This year's fund totaled about $2,475, he said. School counselors pick out the children who qualified for the shopping spree. It was all anonymous.

"A couple of kids went over their $75, but we threw in a few extra bucks, to make up the difference," he said. "These kids would not have a Christmas if it wasn't for the club. "

Browne said that next year he was hoping to organize a golf tournament, which he said could raise enough money to send twice as many children on the shopping spree.