Nov 20 2009
Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate what we have in the way of family, friends, and material comfort. It is also a time to look around for those less fortunate and share the abundance with which we are blessed. I'm thankful to be well off enough that I can help someone else.
Opportunities to Share Your Thanksgiving Bounty
Evelyn Mount's Community Outreach - Since arriving in Reno in 1976, Evelyn Mount has provided holiday meals to thousands of Reno and Sparks families for through the Community Outreach Food Drive she and her late husband founded. This wonderful program is accepting food, gift cards from local grocery stores, and monetary donations at 2530 Cannan St. in northeast Reno. There is also a food donation bin at the food donation bin at the Sak-n-Save grocery store at 1901 Silverada Blvd., off Oddie Blvd. For more information, call (775) 356-0238.St. Vincent's Food Pantry Seeking Donations for Thanksgiving Dinner - St. Vincent's Food Pantry, part of Catholic Community Services of Northern Nevada, is seeking food donations for the Thanksgiving dinner to be served on November 21. Traditional Thanksgiving fare is requested, including turkeys, hams, and all the trimmings. Items can be delivered to the Food Pantry, located at 500 E. Fourth Street at Valley Road in Reno, from now through November 19. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you need your donation to be picked up, call (775) 322-7073 ext. 224.
Food Bank of Northern Nevada - The Food Bank of Northern Nevada distributes food to needy and low income children, families, and seniors throughout the area. Other services are provided through partner agencies, including emergency food pantries and senior meal programs, sliding scale day care centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, family and domestic violence shelters, and various youth programs. Learn how you can help or call (775) 331-3663 for more information.
Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission - The Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission provides shelter for homeless men and women, a substance abuse recovery program, and meals for those in need. The Mission receives no government assistance and relies solely on private donations from the community. If you would like to donate food or items for their thrift stores, or wish to volunteer, visit the website or call (775) 323-7999 to learn more.
The Salvation Army of Reno - Salvation Army bell ringers make it easy to donate when you are out and about during the holiday season. There are other way to give through the Salvation Army and volunteer opportunities as well. For more information, call (775) 688-4555.
Shop at Reno & Sparks Thrift Stores - By shopping in thrift stores run by charitable organizations, you get stuff you want, save money, and help those in need in our community. I've found some mighty nice and amazingly cheap items in these stores. Another plus is that you don't pay sales tax in stores operated by non-profits.
Camp Christmas Toy & Gift Card Donation Campaign - Reno Radio Representatives' staff will be in an RTC RIDE bus decorated as the Toyland Express around the clock from noon Friday, November 27 through 5 p.m. Sunday, November 29. The public is invited to donate new, unwrapped toys for children and gift cards for senior citizens. The bus will be at the northwest corner of the Meadowood Mall parking lot. Camp Christmas is a benefit for the Salvation Army. The community is asked to drive by and donate an extra unwrapped toy or gift card while they take advantage of the holiday shopping specials all over town during the busy shopping weekend.
Animal Gift Giving Tree for Homeless Pets - Thanksgiving weekend to Christmas. Tails by the Lake is hosting the Animal Gift Giving Tree this holiday season. Help support the local homeless dogs and cats in shelters by donating a collar, toy, treat or bed to a sheltered animal. Bring your own gift or receive 25% off your purchase for donation at Tails by the Lake. All the gifts will be given to the sheltered dogs and cats on Christmas Eve so they too can have a Happy HOWLiday. Come by the Village at Squaw Valley and pick out an ornament on the Animal Gift Giving Tree representing the many homeless pets currently sheltered by the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. The Animal Gift Giving Tree starts Thanksgiving Holiday weekend and continues through Christmas Eve. For more information, call (530) 583-WAGS.
Toys for Tots Gift Drive - Help celebrate the holidays by donating a new, unwrapped toy to charity. Drop Boxes are located at many locations around the Reno / Tahoe area. For more information, call (775) 972-4998 x224.
