Valley teen up for $50K service award

A 19-year-old Carson Valley resident is among five Nevadans in the running for a up to a $50,000 award in recognition of service to the community.

"They contacted me. It was a pleasant surprise," said Jeff Lambin about being a contestant in the auto maker's "Volvo for Life" contest.

At least 250 people from around the United States who were chosen by Volvo Cars of North America to be in the running for awards of $25,000 or $50,000. Besides cash, the grand prize winner also receives a Volvo automobile for life.

The way for Lambin and his community to win is by popular vote at www.volvoforlife.com. The last day to vote is Sunday. Awards are announced April 5.

From an early age, Lambin was active in the Valley through Boy Scouts, 4-H and his church. For his Eagle Scout project in 2001, Lambin created Kids Karts.

"I built two and expanded," he said. "They're big blue wooden carts filled with crafts and games so kids in the hospital have something to do."

Lambin said the idea behind the scouting project came from his brother's asthma and subsequent hospital visits.

Kids Karts are also in Reno at Renown Health and the Ronald McDonald House, Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, South Lyon Medical in Yerington and Churchill Community Hospital in Fallon.

Lambin said he wasn't positive where he would invest the money won from Volvo's contest, but he was going to look into starting a chapter of Reading is Fundamental.

"It would go straight to our community," Lambin said. "Winning the contest would be the perfect way to get Reading is Fundamental going."

For information about Volvo for Life or to vote for Jeff Lambin, go to www.volvoforlifeawards.com

To vote

To vote for Jeff Lambin to win the "Volvo for Life" contest, go to www.volvoforlifeawards.com..