Holiday with a Hero on Dec. 18, 2024 offered 210 students an opportunity to shop for themselves or loved ones with the help of officers, public safety, military and health personnel. Approximately 250 volunteers supported the event. Photos by Jessica Garcia of the Nevada Appeal
Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong prepares to check out with Jeyden Kautz of Fremont Elementary School as they shop at Holiday with a Hero on Wednesday.
Santa Claus, played by Tom Bragg, poses with Densy Solano and Alex Herrera of Eagle Valley Middle School.
U.S. Air Force TSgt. Christian Grant stopped for a photo with Hazel Fellows of Seeliger Elementary School as they browsed in the shoes section.
Santa Claus provided hugs, smiles and high fives as he greeted students Wednesday.
Santa Claus provided hugs, smiles and high fives as he greeted students Wednesday.
Carson City school buses were given an escort by law enforcement vehicles into the Walmart parking lot Wednesday.
Carson City District Court bailiff Meliah Gonzales, center, who organizes the annual Holiday with a Hero event, directs students in a line outside the Walmart store before they’re assigned to their hero.
Kyra Gonzales, daughter of bailiff Meliah Gonzales and Carson City Assistant Sheriff Daniel Gonzales, left, greets students before they enter Walmart on Wednesday.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, a partner to the event this year, flies Santa Claus on its helicopter as he waves to students from above.
Santa Claus decided to swap hats with a student.
Volunteers from local businesses and organizations provided gift-wrapping.
Western Nevada College President Kyle Dalpe, right, measures wrapping paper for gifts.
Carts of gifts passed through a line of volunteers to be wrapped for students.
Carson City School Board Trustee Laurel Crossman, left, helps Carson-Tahoe Regional Medical Center registered nurse Becky Duffy and Evelynn Ostin of Fritsch Elementary School with wrapping Evelynn’s gifts.
Gift wrapping is the final step in the Holiday with a Hero program.
Santa Claus greets children and heroes as they enter the store.
Community leaders gather for a photo, including CCSD Superintendent Andrew Feuling, Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell, Tom Bragg as Santa Claus, Sheriff Ken Furlong, Carson City Fire Chief Sean Slamon and Carson City Assistant Chief Daniel Gonzales.
Carson City School District staff members pose with Santa Claus, including Hannah Etchison, McKinney-Vento liaison and special projects coordinator, left, director of Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Student Wellness Christine Perkins and Superintendent Andrew Feuling.
Students were able to participate in the winter coat drive offered Wednesday.
Students were able to participate in the winter coat drive offered Wednesday.