Angel Trees have sprouted up all over Douglas County, the 20th year Project Santa Claus has matched needy children with their Christmas wishes.
Residents are asked to stop by an Angel Tree, pick out an "angel" and sponsor a child for Christmas. Wrapped gifts should be returned to the Angel Tree location by Dec. 15.
The tags include whether the child is a boy or girl, age, sizes and gift ideas.
The presents will be distributed to families before Christmas by a team of Project Santa Claus volunteers.
Project coordinator Marilyn Malkmus said 657 children from 297 Douglas County families were assisted in 2007.
"These children were given a wonderful Christmas due to the generosity of our community," Malkmus said.
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 CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate) program of Douglas County approved by their caseworkers and with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
Project Santa Claus is not affiliated with Toys for Tots.
Angel Trees are located in Minden at Taylor-York Salon, 1625 Highway 395 and in Gardnerville at Sharkey's casino, 1440 Highway 395; Raley's Supermarket, 1363 Highway 395; R & T Cleaners, 1389 Lampe Dr.; Scolari's Supermarket, 1335 Highway 395; Carson Valley Medical Center, 1107 Highway 395; and in Topaz Lake at Topaz Lodge, 1979 Highway 395.
Contributions are tax deductible. Project Santa Claus is an IRS 501 (c)(3) organization, identification no. #88-0258742.
Monetary donations may be mailed to Project Santa Claus at P. O. Box 5351, Gardnerville, NV. 89410.
For information, contact Malkmus at 782-4931.
