The season of giving

SHOP WITH A COP

Thanks to Dan Gonzales, who several years ago assisted in the homeless Christmas shopping spree, which spurred him, his wife and several officers into helping get the word out at the Carson City Sheriff's Department to start the great annual program Shop with a Cop. To all our amazing and very generous Carson City officers who come out and provide Christmas to children in the Children in Transition program, thank you! Today is the day of this annual shopping spree at the North Walmart store. They are looking for local volunteers to wrap gifts for the children after they have purchased them with the officers so they can take them directly home wrapped. I really appreciate everyone at the Carson City Sheriff's Department and each volunteer who comes out to make a child who lives in a motel, hotel, campground or vehicle a little brighter and happier during the holidays.

WHAT: Wrapping toys for children in need

WHEN: 9 a.m. today

WHERE: North Walmart off College Park Way

CONTACT: Call Jeanette Famoso at 690-1303

STARBUCKS

I received a call on Monday from one of our local fire departments asking how they could assistance children in foster care. Children placed in foster care due to abuse or neglect have tags placed with their individual wishes for Christmas at five local Starbuck stores. So grab a latte and a tag and help assist children who will not be home for the holidays.

WHEN: Now until Dec. 23

WHERE: Any Starbuck store

CONTACT: 687-4943 and press 0

RON WOOD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

If you haven't purchased a toy, warm jacket, a pair of snow boots or pizza gift certificate to assist a child, Joyce Buckingham sent me an urgent e-mail stating she needs toys for the Toys for Toys program. As of Wednesday, Joyce stated they will be out of toys. You may drop off donations of toys at any of the 60 drop off locations or at the center. If you would like to donate money, please make checks payable to Toys for Tots and send them or drop them off at Ron Wood Family Resource Center.

WHAT: Toys, toys, toys ...

WHEN: Now until Dec. 23

WHERE: 212 East Winnie Lane. Call for drop off areas

CONTACT: Joyce Buckingham, executive director Ron Wood Family Resource Center, at 884-2269

NEXT WEEK: Shannon Arnold and saving money

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