Angel Tree gifts due Monday

The deadline to turn in Angel Tree gifts for Project Santa Claus is Monday.

Organizers expect more than 800 children to need gifts this year thanks to economic hard times.

The gifts will be distributed to the families a few days before Christmas.

Sorting and wrapping gifts will begin 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Douglas County Fairgrounds pavilion building.

Work will continue 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 20 before the presents are distributed.

Anyone wishing to volunteer may do so by coming to the fairgrounds anytime during the week, organizer Marilyn Malkmus said.

"We've had Angel Trees in the Valley and angels assigned to various churches, businesses, clubs and organizations," she said. "All will be coming together at the fairgrounds before our big handout day. We'll have heaters and hot cider so come join your neighbors in helping to make this Christmas a little more festive for families in need."

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 Service Departments, children of Family Support Council families who are approved by their case workers, children in the Court Appointed Special Advocate program of Douglas County approved by their caseworkers and with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Contributions are tax deductible. Monetary donations may be mailed to Project Santa Claus at P. O. Box 5351, Gardnerville, NV 89410. For any other questions call Marilyn Malkmus at 782-4931.