Advocates shift into high gear for drive-by food drive

Volunteers have been scheduled and entertainment is booked for the annual Share Your Holiday Drive-by Food Drive on Friday.

Situated at the Governor's Mansion, 606 Mountain St., the drive will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in hopes of stocking pantry shelves at the Advocates to End Domestic Violence food shelter.

"This is our 12th year for the drive," said Lisa Lee, director of Advocates.

"Normally, this drive does a good six-month supply for us. Then in May we have the Postal Carriers food drive. But our numbers are up this year. We've had more clients in the shelter.

"This puts a stronger burden on our food supply and we're getting pretty thin at this time. This year's drive is very important."

Lee said foods most needed are those high in protein, such as peanut butter and tuna, and snack foods for children. Juices are a good commodity to have on hand, also.

"Kids need to have a nutritional snack at school. We can also use soups. Soups are always a strong staple, along with chili. Things we can combine to make a meal with."

The 12-hour food drive is co-sponsored by KTVN News Channel 2 in Reno. Reporters Gregg Lalka and Garrett Dearborn will have several live telecasts from the Governor's Mansion throughout the day, as well as the Carson Valley Inn in Minden and the Reno Hilton. Food donated at the Carson Valley Inn will go to the Carson Valley Food Closet, in Reno to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

"We are sitting pretty good on volunteers," said Terri Farnworth with Advocates. "But we won't turn anybody down if they show up."

Weather Friday morning is expected to be in the mid-20s and foggy, becoming mostly sunny with an afternoon high of 54 degrees.

Farnworth said the drive is most busy between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Many people drop off food on their lunch hour and when entertainment is happening.

Scheduled to perform are choirs from Fremont (9:45 a.m.), Bordewich-Bray (10:30 a.m.) and Seeliger (11 a.m.) elementary schools; Carson High School carolers; Eagle Valley Middle School at 3:30 p.m., and Pinkerton Dance Academy at 4:30 p.m. Santa will be there from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lee said Michael Hohl is donating an RV for volunteers to take a break and get warm in, and Grandma Hattie's and City Cafe Bakery are supplying food. Coldwell Bankers are donating a utility van to help transport food from the mansion to the shelter.

"Judy Cox from the mansion has been very helpful with us," said Farnworth. "They will have coffee, hot cider and tea in the Nevada Room at the Mansion."

"We are so fortunate to have this community," Lee said. "To have so many people who extend a hand, and not just for us this time of year. So many are gracious all year long."

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

IF YOU GO

What: Share Your Holiday Food Drive

When: 6 a.m. -6 p.m. Friday

Where: Governor's Mansion, 606 Mountain St.

Needed: High-protein foods like peanut butter, tuna

Call: 883-7654