Stateline pub hosts toy drives

The inaugural Lucky Beaver Tahoe Toy Drive on Sunday bought more than $10,000 in toys for Christmas Cheer, a local charity.

The toy need was brought to the attention of Stateline resident Dreu Murin of Dreu Murin Productions who is a longtime community supporter.

When Murin got the call from Former Mayor Tom Davis of Christmas Cheer that toys were needed, he went to work. A single phone call to Lucky Beaver Bar and Burger owners Mike Leeper and Pat Farrah started the toy drive.

“The Lucky Beaver Bar and Burger has been blessed and whenever we have an opportunity to help our great community who has supported us for many years, we are all in. It was a no-brainer when we heard about the need,” Leeper said.

The drive-by event was from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday in the Lucky Beaver’s back parking lot. A DJ was on site playing Christmas music and masks and social distancing were mandatory.

Most people just drove by and dropped off toys to support. Santa and Mrs. Claus even showed up from the Heavenly Village to spread the joy and thank people.

“People came from all over the state and Northern Nevada,” said event promoter Will Jackson. “We had a huge presence from Sac City Auto parts, who came with a large group all the way from Sacramento to help the cause.”

Some of the larger donations were from community leaders, such as Tahoe Ski Bum Kenny Curtzwiler, Jackie Gilpin of Jackie Gilpin Realty, Tahoe Club 100, Sac City Auto parts, Dotty’s Casino, and Farrah.