With unemployment and homeless numbers growing in Lyon County, the needs
of its children also are increasing.
"I was just sent a statistic that there are 240 homeless children in Lyon County right now," said Sara Ross, the Dayton Task Force leader. "I think these kids are in need of the Resource Bank more than ever."
The Resource Bank provides a wide array of supplies needed for school, from science lab and art fees to backpacks and even tennis shoes or Halloween costumes to participate in a classroom parade.
"If there is a need a student has that can't be fulfilled by family or school, they can be referred to the Resource Bank," Ross said.
She said the resources end up serving more than just a physical need.
"To be able to provide those things that other children just assume are part of life makes these children feel like they belong," she said. "They can explore pieces of their world they otherwise wouldn't be able to if they weren't afforded the same opportunities as their classmates."
To raise money for the Resource Bank, the Dayton Task Force, part of the Lyon County Healthy Communities Coalition, will be hosting a My Sole Purpose 5K walk and run on Oct. 23.
The walk begins at 8 a.m., the run at 8:30. Both start and finish at Dayton High School, with the route going through Old Town Dayton.
To enter, each participant must secure three sponsorships of $20 each, either in the form of Walmart gift cards or sports vouchers from the high school.
T-shirts are available for $7 for pre-registered participants, $10 the day of the race.
Pre-registration is recommended, however, same-day registration also will be offered.
Sign-up forms are available at Dayton Curves, River Vista Fitness and the Dayton Library.
For more information, or to register, call the Healthy Communities Coalition at 246-7550.