Project Santa sees jump in demand

Hard times are knocking Christmas out of the picture for many of Carson Valley's families who are living on the edge.

"Presents for the kids are the first thing to go," said Project Santa Claus organizer Marilyn Malkmus. "People have to have food and they have to have a roof over their heads."

Malkmus estimates there will be 150 more children signed up for the annual Angel Tree program by Dec. 15, an increase of 25 percent over previous years.

"It is the economy," she said. "I know people are being affected. We're just trying to provide a little Christmas for these kids."

The effects of the economy go beyond Christmas.

"At the food closet, I talk to these guys with kids who come in," she said. "It's horrifying to them they can't provide for their families. I've never seen so many men coming into the food closet."

Malkmus was hopeful that the residents will continue to support both the Carson Valley Community Food Closet and Project Santa Claus.

To contribute, pick a name from an Angel Tree and sponsor a child by buying them gifts for Christmas. Wrapped gifts should be returned to Angel Tree locations by Dec. 17 to be distributed to families before Christmas.

Angel Trees locations are Taylor-York Salon, 1625 Highway 395, Minden, at Sharkey's Casino, Raley's, R & T Cleaners, Scolari's, Carson Valley Medical Center, Two Guys from Italy and the Topaz Lodge.

Tax deductible monetary donations may be mailed to Project Santa Claus, P. O. Box 5351, Gardnerville, NV, 89410. Contact Malkmus at 782-4931.

The annual KTVN Channel 2 Share your Holiday Food Drive is 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at the Carson Valley Inn.

Food gathered at the event will go to the food closet.