Kiwanis collecting used bikes

For the 16th 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.

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.

Donors are asked to place them on the south side of the main building.

Residents may also drop off bikes at the Gardnerville Ranchos General Improvement District office at 931 Mitch Drive, Gardnerville Ranchos, Monday through Friday, 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; 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 2006 The Kiwanis Club and Project Santa Claus gave away 150 refurbished bikes.

Through residents' donations, the Kiwanis Club has provided more than 1,600 bicycles to Douglas County children in the last 15 years.

For information, call Jerry Northway at 783-9646.