'Tis the season to lend a helping mitten or two

The Christmas season is upon us, and that means it's time for toy and clothing collections to give to children in need.

Each year, Dayton Elementary School hosts a drive for its school families. Visit the front office and you can hardly see the school secretary hiding behind all the gifts. It's wonderful to see.

To sponsor a child at DES, visit the school and select a mitten that bears a child's toy and clothing request, call 246-6262 or e-mail Tanya Edmondson at tedmondson@lyon.k12.nv.us and a mitten will be selected for you. They also accept monetary donations.

These donations are tax-deductible; simply ask for the tax-exemption ID number. The school requests that all wrapped gifts or donations be turned in by Dec. 12.

Dayton Intermediate School's leadership class will be conducting a toy drive Monday-Dec. 19. To make a toy or monetary donation, contact DIS at 246-6250.

Also, if you are a family in need, pick up a request form to be part of Healthy Communities' toy distribution. Applications are available at all Dayton-area schools, local day-care centers and at Dayton Utilities. Call Healthy Communities at 246-7550, for more information.

In other news

Proactive Parents of Dayton, P-PODS, meets at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at Bouncerz on Deer Run Road. P-PODS is a support and information-sharing group for parents of children (including adult children) with disabilities. As always, children are welcome and can play for a small fee. Katie Beckett, a representative from Medicaid, is planned to be on hand. For more information, call Glenna at 246-8028.

The Historical Society of Dayton Valley hosts its annual Christmas celebration Dec. 7 at Dayton Valley Golf & Country Club at Legado.

This is an opportunity to visit with old friends and meet new people while hearing about the coming year and what is planned. The focus in 2008 will be restoration of the train station. Awards will also be given.

Guests can choose either New York steak or salmon for $33 per person payable through today. The evening begins with a no-host bar at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m.

For more information or to RSVP, call Dagmar Webber at 246-7732 or Judy Harris at 246-5738.

Merry music lovers, mark your calendars for 7 p.m. Dec. 12, when the DIS choir and bands perform their holiday concert in the school gym. Allison Smith proved how far she could bring her music students in a short time during the first concert in October.

I can't wait to hear what they've been up to since. What a beautiful way to celebrate the season!

Peace and blessings 'til next week!

• Karel Ancona-Henry can be reached at kanconahenry@sierranevadamedia.com or at 246-4000.