Each year during the holidays, children are removed from their homes because of neglect or an abusive situation. You can help two ways: Support the annual Reno Rodeo Foundation Denim Drive or adopt a child for Christmas. Every year, Rita Mackie and the entire staff at the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy Division select several children to brighten their Christmas. They hold bake sales and fundraisers so they can provide requested items, such as a Princess Barbie, pair of new shoes or winter jacket. There are always children in need of assistance.
WHO: Division of Child and Family Services
WHEN/TIME: Now until Dec. 19
WHERE: Pick up tags for children's wishes at the Carson Nugget, Casino Fandango, Ole Ole Restaurant/Gold Dust West Casino, Life Point Church of Minden, Q's BBQ and Tolman & Company Jewelers.
CONTACT: Lori Nichols at 687-4943 ext. 262
RENO DENIM DRIVE: Now through Dec. 19
CARSON DROPOFF SITES: Manpower, Manpower, Benson's Feed and Tack, Nevada State Bank Branch, AAA - Carson City, Carson City/Storey County Coop. Ext., Carson Lanes Retail Center, Casino Fandango, Home Health Services of Nevada, MiCasa Too
CONTACT: Marie Baxter at (775) 322-9875
WEBSITE: www.renorodeofoundation.org You can also donate online and 100 percent goes to the children.
Help a child atAustin's House
Austin's House needs food to stock the pantry. Specific items needed are cereal: oatmeal, Cheerios, Corn Chex, Honey Bunches of Oats and Raisin Bran; canned fruit in light syrup; unsweetened applesauce, peaches, pears, mandarin oranges; crackers: Goldfish, Wheat Thins and Triscuits; snack bars: Nutrigrain or oatmeal bars; baking mixes: cookies, brownies, corn bread and cakes; canned chili, refried beans, canned soup, pasta sauce, pancake mix, syrup, ketchup, mayonnaise and ranch dressing. Other items needed are baby wipes, paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, napkins, laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, dishwasher detergent, Clorox cleaning wipes, baby shampoo and children's hairbrushes. Austin's House has produced a beautiful 2012 calendar featuring artwork drawn by children who have stayed at Austin's House. Each month brings a warm reminder of another young life that was changed thanks to your support and assistance throughout the year. The 2012 calendar is only $10 and all of the money will directly benefit Austin's House.
WHO: Austin's House
WHEN/TIME: Now through December
COST: $10 a piece for a calendar
CONTACT: 775-267-6711 if you would like to donate to Austin's House this holiday
Warm your heart by warming a child
Get in the mood with are local musicians from Strings in the Schools, Carson City Symphony's after-school program, presents its second annual "This is Not a Christmas Concert." About 80 string players, including Carson City public, private and home-schooled students, and students from surrounding areas, will perform several pieces, from classics to folk and fiddle tunes. Admission is free.
WHO: STRINGS in the Schools - Carson City Symphony
WHEN/TIME: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8
WHERE: Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.
COST: Free
NEXT WEEK: Carson City foster home recruitment; Ladies Night Out mark your calendars for Dec. 6.
• To have your information included, contact Kim Riggs at kimriggs@att.net.