Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jacob Roberts helps children as they picked out toys during the 9th annual Holiday with a Hero event at Walmart on Tuesday.
Organizers of the 10th annual Holiday with a Hero shopping spree for underprivileged children are asking businesses and community members to spend the next 10 weeks helping to make the event happen.
The 10 for 10 Challenge is asking for donations of any amount — preferably $10 — every week for the next 10 weeks. The event invites participants to challenge 10 friends or co-workers to join in, each donating $10 just one week over the next 10 weeks.
Business and organizations can extend a friendly challenge to one another as well at facebook.com/holidaywithahero.
“This is for our community,” said Sgt. Daniel Gonzales, who founded the event with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office. “The money stays right here. It gives me joy to see the kids happy during Christmas.”
The sheriff’s office now teams up with the Carson City School District and other agencies to plan and host the shopping spree.
Organizers are hoping to raise enough money to provide $100 gift cards to 300 children in the Carson City School District’s Students in Transition program, which benefits children living in motels, cars, with grandparents or with other families. The students are paired with a community hero — first responders, military or medical professionals along with representatives from other state and local agencies — for a shopping trip to Walmart.
“It’s about helping those who can’t help themselves,” said Peggy Sweetland, director of the Students in Transition program. “Without Holiday with a Hero, these kids won’t get anything.”
Donations can be dropped off at Carson City Sheriff’s Office, 911 E. Musser St.; Students in Transition building, 604 W. Musser St., Building 2; Bank of the West, 2976 N. Carson St.; Carson City Visitors Bureau, 716 N. Carson St.; Grandma Hattie’s Restaurant, 2811 S. Carson St.; Graphics Factory, 1442 E. William St., Suite 1.