WNC News & Notes: A caring spirit: Students give back in a big way

The Associated Students of Western Nevada College have pulled out all the stops in helping the community this holiday season. Despite spending the past few weeks writing term papers and cramming for finals, WNC's student government has taken the lead on four different community service projects.

The students made blankets to support Project Linus, an initiative that seeks to comfort seriously ill or traumatized children with blankets. Inspired by Charles Schulz's Linus character in the PEANUTS comic strip, who was forever comforted by his blanket, the organization collects thousands of blankets and distributes them to children in an effort to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort.

WNC students made 150 blankets to donate to the local Fallon-based chapter, which will distribute them throughout Northern Nevada. The students were inspired to make the blankets after hearing about Project Linus at a student leadership conference last year.

"We (ASWN) have shifted our focus from doing big events on campus to helping the community and also struggling WNC students," said ASWN President Heather Dodson.

WNC students collected gloves and hats for Advocates to End Domestic Violence, and sponsored an Angel Tree on campus for students and staff to choose names and provide gifts to more than 30 WNC students in need. The students also volunteered at the Northern Nevada Food Bank and helped collect canned goods at the recent food drive at the Governor's Mansion.

For information about Project Linus, www.projectlinus.org or other ASWN projects, contact Christina Hillis at 445-3324.

Athletics fundraiser important this year

The Western Nevada College Foundation debuts a new concept this year for the annual athletics fundraiser ... a 'non-event'. Because of significant budget cuts, 2011-2012 is a critical year for WNC's self-supported athletics program, and the Foundation needs to raise $215,000 to meet the travel and operating budgets for the Wildcats baseball and softball teams this year.

By hosting a non-event, the Foundation is able to put 100 percent of donor contributions directly toward the WNC baseball and softball programs instead of covering event costs, and all donations are 100 percent tax deductible.

Tongue-in-cheek "non-event" invitations to past supporters encourage them NOT to attend the Western Nevada College Wildcats Athletics Fundraiser, which will NOT take place on Dec. 31. The invitation includes a bit of light humor, stating that "When the ball drops on New Year's Eve, we won't be there and we hope you won't either! Please don't dress up or hire a babysitter. You won't need to brave inclement weather, buy new event attire, eat rich food that isn't part of your New Year's resolution, or pay for drinks at a cash bar. Our holiday gift to you is to celebrate New Year's Eve in your own style, while helping WNC Athletics."

All contributions to the non-event will help the college continue the student life initiatives that have helped make WNC more attractive to traditional college age students, and they will support WNC student-athletes - students with a graduation/transfer rate above 90 percent.

A list of donation benefits also is available so supporters can see just how their gift will benefit the teams. For information contact the WNC Foundation at 445-3240 or www.wnc.edu/foundation/.

Participants for

volunteer fair sought

Western Nevada College will host a Community Volunteer Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at the Carson City campus. The goal of the fair is to promote volunteerism and educate WNC employees, students and community members about volunteer groups that need assistance to do their good work.

Organizations interested in participating in the event are invited to share their activities and types of volunteer opportunities by reserving a booth at the event.

The main purpose of the fair is to encourage individuals to get involved in activities that benefit the community in which we work and live, so only organizations seeking volunteer help are requested.

Reserve a space or get information at kollingb@wnc.edu or 445-4468. There is no fee to participate. Space is limited.

Latino talent show aids scholarships

Three hundred people attended the recent WNC Latino Student Club talent show, which featured 20 variety acts. The event successfully raised more than $1,000 to fund WNC scholarships.

"Businesses in the community were generous with donations for raffles and prizes, and the event was a lot of fun for the community and our students," said LSC adviser Lupe Ramirez.

WNC holiday hours

Western Nevada College Carson City campus will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays. The campus will operate with very limited services Tuesday-Friday, Dec. 27-30.

All other WNC campuses and learning centers will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, through Monday, Jan. 2. All campuses will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

During this time, registration for spring classes continues online. The spring semester begins Monday, Jan. 23.f