Newspaper sales benefit kids, schools

The Nevada Appeal and the Kassity Family School Fund have partnered on a program to support participating Carson City elementary schools.

Six McDonald's restaurants in Carson City and Minden, owned and operated by Sharon and Chris Kassity, will offer the Nevada Appeal at a discounted rate of 40 cents on weekdays and $1.25 for Sunday editions.

From the sale of each newspaper purchased at one of the six locations, 25 percent will be donated to the school fund.

"We're pleased to be working with McDonald's and the Kassity family on such an important cause," said Niki Gladys, publisher of the Nevada Appeal. "Supporting education is critical to the future of this community. We hope our readers enjoy receiving the paper at a discount and feel as good as we do about supporting our local schools."

The fund is a foundation that the Kassitys recently formed to collect funds from the product sales at their designated McDonald's restaurants through an annual product calendar, which is given out at area schools.

So far, St. Teresa of Avila Catholic School and Fritsch Elementary School are participating in the program. Sharon Kassity expects to add more in the fall.

The calendar lists specific products that can be purchased to make a donation to the schools. Customers must tell the cashiers that they want the donation to be made and which school they wish to donate to.

"As Carson City residents and small-business owners, we have a duty to act responsibly, to do good for our community," Kassity said.

"With budget cuts and a challenging economy, we know that all schools and families are struggling right now," she said. "Our restaurants have always supported the schools and the community, and now we are developing new ways to give back even more."

Funds will be dispersed to participating elementary schools annually.

In addition to the Nevada Appeal program, KFSF is developing a series of programs that will generate funds year-round for local elementary schools.

Schools interested in benefiting from the fundraising efforts should call Kassity at 291-1094.