Six teens in crisis center still lack Christmas gifts

by Kim Riggs

Thank you to all the wonderful and amazing students who went on the Karson Kruzers/Harley-Davidson Financial Christmas shopping spree. A big thank you to Pam Andersen, owner and operator of Straw Hat Pizza, for donating the pizza party after the shopping spree and to the Wal-Mart associates for being so helpful.

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Now for the sad news I recently talked to Jim Powell at Volunteers of America, who said they have six children at the shelter and nothing to give them for Christmas. The two agencies that usually adopted the shelter could not help this year. Volunteers of America is a shelter housing children in emergency situations who have no other place to go.

If you would like to help, please look below. I also want to thank the anonymous donor from a local church who bought gloves and stocking hats. I will be taking those over to those children today, thanks to your perfect timing.

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Melissa Chelius and Jackie Turner are from Junior Troop No. 252 and Brownie Troop No. 130. They have decided to help children who need coats. The troops will collect jackets for the homeless that will go directly to schools after being cleaned at Mercury Cleaners. For the past five years, Mark Frady has cleaned jackets for free to help FISH and the Carson City School District's Homeless Program. Last year alone, he cleaned more than 800 items. To give your child's outgrown coat to a good, read how below. Or if you have a coat that is already clean, drop it off at any school to donate. Coats will be handed out through the nurses' offices.

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Salvation Army is still accepting toys for all ages to help brighten a child's Christmas. You can donate up until Tuesday at the address listed below.

I saw a big truck with Capital Ford Mercury logos on its sides loading up bicycles at Wal-Mart 54 for the Toys for Joy program. Dana Whaley at Carson City Toyota/Mazda and Capital Ford collected money to purchase 48 new bicycles, and Wal-Mart gave six more. A special thank you to Dan Luken, Norm Hash, Joe Alferez for purchasing the bicycles plus helmets. Didn't think I would find out, did you, Dana?

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Ken Beaton has beautiful commemorative ornaments and a large selection of unique gifts for children at the Children's Museum. It also has fun and educational toys not to be found anywhere else in Carson. Proceeds benefit the museum.

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I will pass on a statement from a friend of mine from California who moved up this way and could not believe how giving this city was. "You can ask for assistance or help and boom, it happens." What a great testimony for "Our Little Old City." Merry Christmas to you all!

OUT & ABOUT

Who: Volunteers of America Children's shelter

When: Until Christmas Day

What: An assortment of gifts for six children from the ages of 7-17 that are in the shelter.

Call: Jim Powell, 887-1480

Who: Carson community children's coat drive

When: Anytime

Where: Mercury Cleaners, 217 S. Curry St.

What: Children's coats or jackets in good condition that your child has out grown are needed. You can drop off at to be cleaned for free then take it to a school.

Call: Mark Frady, 882-3358

Who: Salvation Army Toys for Joys Program

Where: 661 Colorado St.

When: Until Tuesday

What: Any toy for children of all ages.

Call: Vi Bibee, 887-9120

Who: Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

Where: 813 N. Carson St.

When: Until Christmas

What: Commemorative ornaments, and a selection of one-of-a-kind gifts.

Call: Ken Beaton, 884-2226

THANK YOUS:

To Carson City Rotary Club for its annual food drive. Rotarians gathered 25,000 pounds of food at the Governor's Mansion to help Advocates to End Domestic Violence. Special thanks to the Department of Motor Vehicle for weighting the loads of food and to all those who made cash donation to help reach $5,000.

Contact me at kimriggs@att.net.