Shop with a cop programs hinge on donations

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office is coordinating its second annual "Shop with a Sheriff" event Dec. 12 at the Fernley Walmart.

Organizer Deputy Julie Redmond said the goal is to raise $1,000 or more from local businesses and community members.

All of the donations will go to provide children from needy families with Christmas gifts on a shopping trip accompanied by sheriff's department staff.

If you would like to donate or to sponsor one or more children for $100 each, contact Redmond at 775-246-6200 or 775-577-5023 or e-mail jredmond@lyon-county.org.

"Any amount is needed - $1, $5, $10. Anything will help and is greatly appreciated," said Redmond.

Donations are needed by Dec. 5.

Checks can be made out to Lyon County Sheriff's Office with "Shop with a Sheriff" in the memo line and can be mailed to: Brenda Farler, 30 Nevin Way, Yerington, NV 89447

CARSON CITY

In Carson City, the Sheriff's Office's "Christmas with a Cop" shopping spree is off to a rocky start, said organizer Detective Dena Lacy.

With a list of 150 children in need, only $2,000 has been donated to the program thus far, said Lacy. In years past, the school district would match any money raised, but this year, the entire program is being funded by private donation.

"Everyone is going through hard times financially, but these kids qualify as homeless. Our hard times are their all-the-times," she said. "These kids are coming to school dirty, not properly dressed for the weather, shoes too big or too small. They are coming to school hungry. And one time a year we reach out to help them. They are on their own throughout the rest of the year. One time a year we ask for people to be generous for a good cause."

Lacy said the program is a popular one for both the children and the law enforcement officers who participate.

"As someone in law enforcement, I come across kids through a negative report. That's why I think this means so much to me personally because it's something positive we give back to the kids. They get a positive experience with someone in uniform instead of negative and painful one."

Donations to "Christmas With a Cop" can be sent to the Carson City Sheriff's Office, 911 E. Musser St., 89702.

Checks should be made out to the Carson City Sheriff's Office, but you must annotate in the memo "Christmas with a Cop" to ensure it is deposited into the appropriate fund.

For more information call Lacy at 887-2020 ext. 41405 or Detective Daniel Gonzales at ext. 41407.