Help Make a Difference on Saturday

Make a Difference Day hits the nation on Saturday. Carson City has two programs for residents to make a difference. Nonprofit organizations from Northern Nevada have collaborated for the 2003 Book-Nic and BBQ in celebration of the day. A drive is under way to collect children's books, which will be distributed during the event. This is a great way to pass on kids' books to others who can not afford them.

Drop-off areas are listed below.

Starbucks is teaming up with Hands on Northern Nevada volunteers to collect items for hygiene kits for homeless children throughout Reno and Carson, Douglas, Washoe, Lyon and Storey counties. Items are being collected through Friday at Starbucks Coffee shops throughout the area. Starbucks has a designated area to drop off the items listed below.

Do not forget, sports fans, the Carson High School Basketball 6th Man Booster Club fund-raiser. Enjoy a great sampling of beer and delicious sausages provided by the Sausage Factory. The silent auction will have four tickets to the "Big Game" Cal vs. Stanford on Nov. 22, four tickets to UCLA vs. Stanford game plus free parking passes, a golf package from Eagle Valley Golf Course, University of Nevada, Reno, sports tickets and an Italian charm bracelet. Help support the Carson High Basketball teams by buying a ticket from any coach or athlete, or stop by Sugar Pine Cove to get a glimpse of the bracelet.

Mark Nov. 15 and 16 as the second annual Holiday Craft Fair at Carson High School. The PTSA helps promote this event to raise money for the high school. Enjoy crafts, food, entertainment - and do not forget that Santa Claus will be there. The goal is to make this a citywide event.

Who: 6th Man Beer and Brats

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Carson Station Rotisserie Grill

What: A night of beer, bratwurst and a silent auction with wine, sport tickets, dinner, movie passes and more.

Cost: $25 for limited seating

Call: Bruce Barnes or Carlos Menguleia at 283-1695 or stop by Sugar Pine Cove, 1087 S. Carson and see Teri Basa, 884-4603.

Proceeds benefit: CHS Basketball Programs

Who: Make A Difference, Donate A Children's Book, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Great Basin Primary Care Association, Boys & Girls Club, RR Donnelley, Nevada Commission for National and Community Service.

What: Children's book drive to support the 2003 Book-Nic & BBQ, bring new or used books in good condition to local grocery stores for needy children throughout Northern Nevada.

When: Today

Where: Books can be dropped off at all Carson City Albertsons, Raley's, Safeway and Grocery Outlet stores.

Call: Tara Cashel, book drive coordinator, 887-0417, ext. 114

Who: Make a Difference Day with Starbucks and Hands on Northern Nevada

When: Drop off through Friday at local Starbucks

What: "Kits For Kids": children's shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, combs/brushes, toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, lotion, ponytail bands (not rubber bands), tangle-reduction spray, washcloth, sports drink powder and soup mixes (add water to use), nutrition/cereal bar.

Where: Starbucks, 3228 N. Carson St.

Call: Dolores Corona-Tuttle, director Hands on Northern Nevada Volunteer Program of United Way of Northern Nevada, 333-8001

Who: Holiday Craft Fair

When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Nov. 15 and 16

Where: Carson High School

What: More than 150 craft booths, visits with Santa, food, entertainment. Raffle tickets can be purchased with prizes announced all weekend. Crafters interested in reserving a booth can call 883-2062. Also groups are needed to entertain; call to get on the schedule early. All food donations will go to FISH.

Cost: Admission $1.50 or $1 with a can of food

Call: Ilona Stubbs, 883-2062

Proceeds benefit: The CHS PTSA

I have received several calls from agencies, groups and organizations wanting to help children's charities. If your organization or group would like a list of local charities for children that need assistance for Christmas, e-mail me. Thanks to Peggy Childers of Kelly Services for asking.

Contact me at kimriggs@att.net