Local agency adopts 142 homebound seniors for holidays

'Tis the season for charity in Carson City.

With several places to give and receive, many organizations are getting involved this year.

Staff members at the Nevada Department of Business and Industry executive, insurance and real estate divisions in Carson City have adopted 142 homebound seniors for the holidays.

The agency held fund-raisers and bake sales to buy blankets and gifts for seniors who might otherwise not receive anything for the holidays, said coordinator Pat May.

"It just tears your heart," May said. "They've no family; they're really homebound."

The program will bring presents to 150 seniors who regularly receive hot meals though the Carson City Senior Center Meals on Wheels program. Other sponsors for the holiday program include Carson City Longs Drugs, J.C. Penney, Nevada Appeal, Wykle Research and the State Employment Security Division.

"For a lot of seniors, the holidays are a lonely time," said Marti Loson, senior services manager for the center. "This just sheds a little light in their lives."

There are several ways to share the joy of the season. Here are a few charities to consider:

-- "Toys of Joy" gift drive coordinators said they are getting requests for Bob the Builder toys, Bratz dolls, Spiderman, Hot Wheels, educational toys and sports equipment. The Salvation Army has drop-off locations at Carson City Toyota, Assist 2 Sell, Behavioral Health Services, Carson City fire stations, Emerald Realty, the Salvation Army Thrift Store and other locations. Call the Salvation Army.

-- "Toys for Tots" toy drive, managed by the Marine Corps Reserve, has many blue toy barrels dispersed throughout the area and is looking for donations of new toys in their original wrapping for needy children. Call 882-7864 for information.

-- A free swim day is Saturday at the Carson Hot Springs Resort, 155 Hot Springs Road, for the price of one new toy in its original wrapping for the "Toys for Tots" campaign.

-- Free train rides with Santa will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 15 at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, 2180 S. Carson St., Carson City. The spot is also a drop-off point for the "Toys for Tots" campaign.

-- The Salvation Army will hold a "Celebrity Bell Ringing" at the South Carson Albertson's from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Among the celebrities this year will be Carson City Supervisor Robin Williamson, Mayor Ray Masayko and Carson City School District Superintendent Mary Pierczynski. City firefighters and sheriff's deputies are among the other celebrities taking toys for the program.

-- Girl Scout Troop 211 will take donated gifts for the "Toys of Joy" toy campaign from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Telegraph Square downtown.

-- The Salvation Army is asking for help with its "Adopt-A-Family" program. The average expense is $30 per person, which includes new gifts and a Christmas meal for the family. Call Lynn Johnson at 887-9120 for information.

-- The Salvation Army needs volunteers for toy shop preparation, sorting and distribution for its "Toys of Joy" event. Call Steve and Amanda Mitchell at 887-9120 to volunteer.

-- St. Jude's Ranch for Children in Boulder City is asking for used holiday cards to recycle and turn into new cards to aid abused, abandoned, neglected and at-risk children. Drop off card fronts at City Hall, 201 N. Carson St., Building Department, 2621 Northgate Lane, No. 6, or the Library at 900 N. Roop St. Call Deborah Wiggins at 887-2318, ext. 1401, for information.

-- The Carson City Raiders Booster Club annual Christmas Commitment fund-raiser is noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at Joe Bob's Hot Springs Road House, 1510 Hot Springs Road, Carson City. The group will collect food for Advocates to End Domestic Violence, batteries for Eagle Valley Children's Home, toys for the "Toys for Tots" campaign and money to adopt seniors. For information, call 720-4333 or 450-7128.