Project Santa accepts gifts of bikes, for children at Christmas

For the 15th year, the Kiwanis Club of Gardnerville-Minden is collecting used bicycles, tricycles, wagons or scooters in good condition. The bikes will be delivered to China Spring Youth Camp/Aurora Pines where the boys and girls will check them over, clean them and make any repairs necessary. The Kiwanis Club supplies all the materials needed for repair. All repaired items are then donated to Project Santa Claus for distribution just before Christmas to Douglas County kids.

Now's the time to clean out your garage or barn and donate your used bikes. Just imagine the joy you can give to a child this holiday season.

Bikes may be dropped off at the Town of Gardnerville Maintenance facility, 1369 Highway 395, Gardnerville - Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Place them on the south side of the main building. You may also drop off bikes at the Gardnerville Ranchos General Improvement District office at 931 Mitch Drive, Gardnerville Ranchos - Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The umbrella of Project Santa Claus includes children of Carson Valley Community Food Closet families who are approved by Douglas County and Washoe Tribal Social Services Departments, children of Family Support Council families and children in the Court Appointed Special Advocates program of Douglas County, with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Children from newborn through age 15 are included.

In 2005, the Kiwanis Club and Project Santa Claus gave away approximately 125 refurbished bikes. The total number of bikes donated to Douglas County children in the last 15 years, thanks to the efforts of the Kiwanis Club and the community, is more than 1,500.

For further information, call Jerry Northway at 783-9646.