Some events to bring out the spirit of Christmas

If you're interested, as of today there are 30 days left until Christmas, but who's counting?

I still am amazed at all the hard work the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots Drive volunteers provided by helping children throughout Carson City, Lyon, Douglas and Storey counties. You have to remember that all of the individuals and businesses in these towns are the sole support of these drives each year.

I received a call from Dana Whaley, general manager of Carson City Toyota, who said they are donating a Christmas red 2008 Toyota Yaris two-door hatchback to help receive donations for Toys for Tots. Purchase some toys for a child, drop off the unwrapped toys at the dealership and get a raffle ticket for the drawing to win the vehicle.

If you are purchasing a new vehicle, still bring down a toy and you might get lucky. You do have to be 18 years of age or older and will be responsible for all federal and state taxes plus insurance and state licensing, but wow, how amazing would it be to drive away a new vehicle for Christmas just for helping children?

TOYS FOR TOT's car giveaway

WHO: Toys for Tots Program and Dick Campagni Toyota, Ford and Mazda/Hyundai dealerships

WHAT: Drop off toys for children, footballs, baby dolls, handheld games, anything for either a boy or girl

WHERE: Carson City Toyota, 3659 S. Carson St.

WHEN: Now until Dec. 20

CONTACT: 882-8211

•••

Since it's only a month away and planning is everything, pencil the Parade of Lights and the Gingerbread Social into your schedule.

I can tell you, the parade is beautiful and this year it will be led by the Gingerbread Man down C Street in Virginia City and Santa will be on hand for photos. Piper's Opera House will have classic performances all month, including a performance by Dance Spirit of Carson City, as well as Christmas in the Sierras with the Comstock Cowboys and Nevada Sierra Classical Guitarist Holiday Concerts, all performed in the historic opera house.

Also, amateurs and experts will display their gumdrops and candy canes at the Gingerbread Social at the Fourth Ward School. You're all invited to join the fun on Dec. 9.

Young and old are challenged to flex their creative muscles building a gingerbread structure, limited only by imagination. The rules are few, the price is nominal, but the fun is unlimited.

Create a structure of choice, be it a house, a train, or a Christmas sleigh full of toys, the choice is yours. The only rule is that the entire structure (minus the base it sets on) must be edible. Yummy!

Come and enjoy Christmas on the Comstock the old fashioned way.

CHRISTMAS ON THE COMSTOCK

WHO: Virginia City Visioneers

WHAT: Christmas on the Comstock

WHERE: Virginia City

WHEN: Parade of Lights kick-off event 5 p.m. Friday and Gingerbread Social at Fourth Ward School is 5 p.m. Dec. 9

CONTACT: Jeanine Wittenberg, 742-0562 or Sue Jones, 847-0692 for more specific dates, times and schedules contact the Virginia City Visioneers 847-0311 or Susan Lewis, 847-0636

PROCEEDS BENEFIT: Community Chest and before and afterschool programs.

SPONSORS NEEDED: Sponsorship of $125 insures advertisement of your business at all celebrations. Items are needed for the silent auction benefiting local Community Chest. Call for pick up of any items.

•••

Sometimes I think we lose the true meaning of Christmas, actually most the time I feel that way. When I get holiday information that reminds me that it is about simpler times and handmade ornaments, handmade gifts and bake sales, you can count on me to say check them out. The Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare Auxiliary is holding a themed luncheon called "Homespun Holidays in Nevada." In addition to a special lunch, there will be a wide variety of holiday entertainment, a bake sale, silent auction and raffle supporting the Carson City "mom's clinic." Everyone is invited to attend, bring relatives and friends and celebrate the season. This is one of those times you can enjoy the true meaning of Christmas while helping a good cause.

"HOMESPUN HOLIDAYS IN NEVADA" Celebration

WHO: Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare Auxiliary

WHAT: "Homespun Holidays in Nevada" Holiday Luncheon

WHERE/WHEN: 11 a.m. Saturday, Gold Dust West Hotel and Casino

COST: Tickets are $25 and are available at the Auxiliary Gift Shop located at the Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center

CONTACT: Auxiliary Gift Shop at 445-5142, Donna Moormann at 841-4683 or Ruth Pintar at 882-4292. Reservations needed by Tuesday

PROCEEDS BENEFIT: Support of the medical center, nursing scholarships, and regional health care needs

•••

To help you get in the mood of Christmas, bring the family to the free concert provided by the Capital City Community Band and the Western Nevada College Choir. By combining their talents in a free concert featuring holiday music, these groups are guaranteed to put you in the spirit of the season. The choir, under the direction of William J. Zabelsky, will perform music of the season and join the band for a medley of seasonal favorites.

COMMUNITY BAND FREE HOLIDAY CONCERT

WHO: Capital City Community Band and Western Nevada College Choir

WHAT: Bring your entire family and join us in getting into the holiday spirit at this free concert

WHERE: Carson Community Center, 851 E. William St.

WHEN/TIME: 3 p.m. Sunday

CONTACT: Richard Doede, 883-2219

• To have your information included, contact Kim Riggs at kimriggs@att.net.