Donations are being sought for the Carson City School District's Kids in Transition Program shopping spree set for Dec. 18.
"We know these are hard economic times, but we are still trying to provide Christmas for these kids," said Carson Sheriff's Detective Daniel Gonzales organizer of the event known as "Christmas with a Cop."
Kids in Transition program coordinator Jeanette Famoso said 200 children in all six of the city's elementary schools and both middle schools have been selected to participate in the shopping spree at Wal-Mart. The children are given a sheriff's deputy to shop with and a Wal-Mart gift card. They can spend their money however they like. Lunch is provided and volunteers wrap the gifts for the children so they have something under their tree Christmas morning.
The Kids in Transition program provides food, clothing, shows, school supplies, and even some doctor/dentist visits for the underprivileged kids. On average, there are between 350 and 450 children who do not have a permanent address. Many live in weekly motels or with multiple families under one roof.
"For these kids, this shopping spree is their Christmas," said Gonzales. "Last year we took a hundred kids. Due to the economic conditions we have 200 kids that qualify this year. Only through community support are we able to do this."
Donations to the shopping spree can be made in person Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., or mailed to the Carson City Sheriff's Department, 911 E. Musser St.
For more information contact Gonzales at 887-2020 ext. 41407.