What an outstanding response we received for the Volunteer's of America Children's Shelter from Starbuck's Roasting Plant in Douglas to the Prestige Car Wash here in Carson and St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church.
What a great start considering the shelter moved right at Christmas time when everybody is already on a tight budget.
Father Jerry Handley always says practice what you preach, and he certainly does. He gave not only from the church but also personally.
The VOA Children's Shelter needs some more help to furnish and decorate the rooms, including a dining room table.
If you'd like to sponsor a needed item, please e-mail me or Justin Harris. When I forwarded several responses over to Jim Powell and Justin Harris, they both echoed the same sentiment: They are blessed to live in an area that pulls together to make a difference for abused and neglected children. So true, and thank you to Mary and Steve Sawyers, Tina Tubridy, Kelly and Heather Thomas and Judy Rodolph and her five sewing buddies.
May each of you know how many children's lives you will are helping with your generous donations.
Volunteers of America Emergency Children's Shelter
WHERE: Location is kept secret for the safety of the children within the home
WHEN: Until Christmas and all year, I hope
CONTACT: gjustinharris@yahoo.com
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Speaking of children and Christmas, which is always hectic for parents with little ones, we sometimes forget that the simple things in life make the biggest memories for our children.
If you want to provide your children or grandchildren with a lasting memory, visit the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada on Santa Day this Saturday.
The children can enjoy Christmas crafts, cookie decorating, face painting and a visit with Santa.
You can also drop your children off at the museum on Dec. 23 for Christmas-themed activities, games and fun, while you head out shopping or dinner.
Children's Museum of Northern Nevada
What: Santa Day and Last Chance Shopping Night before Christmas
WHERE: 813 North Carson Street
WHEN: Santa Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; Last Chance Shopping, 4:30-10:30 p.m. Dec. 23
COST: Santa Day is free for museum members or for admission. Last Chance Shopping Spree is $10 per child pre-registered, $15 at the door.
DONATION: The museum is offering a 10 percent discount on museum membership with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Joy Collection.
CONTACT: 884-2226
WEB SITE: www.cmnn.org
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These next two events have something in common: Chris Bayer. Chris heads up the local CASA program.
Court Appointed Special Advocates was started years ago by Carson City Soroptimist International and now is in the great hands of Mr. Bayer.
The organization will host an evening of desserts and beverages Wednesday. Come by to meet the CASA of Carson City team and learn about becoming a volunteer guardian for children removed from the home due to abuse or neglect. Everyone is welcome to attend.
If you want to be a voice for a child, here is your chance.
The next event also is a passion of Chris' - helping the needy have a drop-in shelter to keep warm, grab a sleeping back or get some food.
His band the Wild Sage will play a Christmas benefit concert for the homeless shelter. Bring the family and come join the fun, and check out the Leaping Lassies Irish Dancers while supporting the Do Drop Inn.
CASA and Do Drop Inn Shelter
WHERE: Both will be held at the Carson City Library, 900 Roop St.
WHEN: CASA open house - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday; Do Drop Inn benefit - 7-8 p.m. Thursday
COST: Both are free
CONTACT: For more information on the CASA program, call 882-6776. For more information on how you can help the Do Drop Inn Shelter, call 841-2580
WEB SITE: www.casaofcc.org
PROCEEDS BENEFIT: Donations will be accepted for The Do Drop Inn Shelter
• • •
I know most of you purchase toys at Christmas for children but don't forget we also need to remember the teenagers.
This year I received a call from Carson High School history teacher Angela Golick who is organizing a toy/food drive on site for teens and their families in need of items for Christmas.
Within five minutes of her call, I received another call from retired Carson High School teacher Jan Anderson wanting to adopt children for Christmas. When I told about Ms. Golick's project, Jan said, "That is a perfect place for my husband and I to help."
If you want to sponsor a teen at Carson High School, give a call. Items needed are warm clothing, jackets, blow dryers, curling irons and hair supplies like hair gel, shampoos, conditioners, bath/shower gels and soaps. Also hand-held electronic games, board games, radios, CD players, basketballs or footballs and food gift certificates would be very helpful to some of these teenagers.
Thank you Jan and Angela for caring about your students in and out of the classroom. You both are true teachers by example.
Carson High School's 'Helping Teens at Christmas'
WHEN: Until Dec. 20
CONTACT: 283-1600
NEXT WEEK: Our local law enforcement needs your assistance with another great idea by Deputy Dan Gonzales and Detective Dena Lacey. Stay tuned.
• To have your information included, contact Kim Riggs at kimriggs@att.net.