Cash sought for kids Christmas spree

Carson City Sheriff's Office annual shopping event is gearing up and organizers are looking for community donations to help brighten the Christmases of Carson City's children in need.

Formerly called Christmas With a Cop, this year's event is entitled Holiday with a Hero, because more than just police officers are volunteering their time, said organizer Detective Dena Lacy.

"We've had firefighters, city workers, troopers, all sorts of people volunteer. So this name fits us better," Lacy said.

Lacy said another change from the previous five years is that Holiday with a Hero will focus this year solely on elementary school children. In years past middle schoolers have been included.

Lacy said the need in the elementary schools is greater, while the middle and high schools have other programs for children in need.

"There are approximately 160 children that qualify as homeless for this program in the elementary schools," said Lacy. "The success of this event is dependent on how much money we can raise in the next six weeks."

The goal is to raise $16,000 so that each child can spend a $100 gift card at Walmart. Walmart waives the sales tax, and the children are escorted on their shopping spree by a volunteer. Volunteers are also needed to wrap the presents.

The children also are fed lunch.

"Everyone is in one way or another affected by this harsh economy. However, these children are living in cars, hotels, or doubled up with another family," said Lacy. "They are our little guys and girls and they don't understand why this is happening to them and why they don't have any presents under the tree."

All cash donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Carson City Sheriff's Office, 911 E. Musser St., Carson City, 89701. Write "Holiday with a Hero" in the memo field.

For more information or to also donate wrapping paper, tape or lunch, contact Lacy at 887-2020 ext. 41405 or Detective Daniel Gonzales at ext. 41407.