Carson City is aglow with holiday cheer this season. Although many may have seen their wallets shrink, there remains in the community a wealth of willingness to give.
When residents learned earlier this month that Jared Dempsey was in danger of losing his handicap-equipped van, they donated more than $13,000 to the cause in one weekend.
His mother, Virginia, told the Nevada Appeal that without some help, the credit union was going to repossess the van because she was behind in her payments.
"We're in a recession now, and I can't believe that much money was raised," she said. "It's amazing. This is just beyond what I ever expected."
The fundraising for him continues.
Residents also responded to the call to help the community's children, donating to Toys for Tots, Angel Tree, Friends in Service Helping, the Salvation Army and several other local organizations and churches serving the needy.
About 170 Carson City students were treated to the annual shopping spree, Holiday with a Hero, last week. Volunteers from law enforcement agencies, city offices and Walmart escorted the children as they spent their $100 gift cards to Walmart.
The 18th annual Share Your Holiday Food Drive at the Governor's Mansion received many more donations than expected.
"This is way bigger than last year. It's amazing," said Lisa Lee, director of Advocates to End Domestic Violence, which benefits from the drive.
Individuals, families and businesses joined in as well.
The Carson Nugget is offering its annual free Christmas meal 11 a.m.-3 p.m. today in the Garden Cafe.
Paul Gould, owner of Economy Wash 'n Dry Laundromat, offered two free loads of laundry per week for the remainder of the year, for anyone who asks.
"Together, we'll get through this," he said.
As KiLynne Munoz, 7, joined fellow second-graders at Carson Montessori School in raising money for the Ronald McDonald House, she learned the joy that comes from giving.
"It made me feel passionable," she said. "It made me feel like I was helping the world."
At the same time, 9-year-old Hope learned the joy of receiving help in a time of need. She was one of 32 children from Dayton and Silver Springs elementary schools who were given $75 for Christmas shopping by the Kiwanis Club of Dayton Township.
"They're taking their time out and their money to spend it on me," she said. "It's nice."
We are fortunate to live in a place where neighbors help neighbors and people give freely of their time and resources.
There are many things to wish for this holiday season, but just as many to be grateful for. And we are.
Thank you all for giving the greatest gift, your kindness.