Santa's helpers needed at fairgrounds

Staff Reports

Volunteers are needed for sorting, piling and wrapping presents for Project Santa Claus, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Saturday, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Pavilion Building.

"We provide the materials," said organizer Marilyn Malkmus. "All you need is your cheerful spirit and we'll put you to work."

The Project Santa Claus program helps provide Christmas gifts to Douglas County children in need, who are qualified through Douglas County Social Services, Washoe Tribal Social Services, the Family Support Council, CASA and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. 

Last year, 786 children from 345 families were helped by Project Santa Claus, and Malkmus expects to help about 100 more children this year. Residents are able to sponsor a child by choosing a name from any of the Project Santa Angel Trees set up in churches, businesses, clubs and organizations in Carson Valley. Cash donations are accepted to be used for the purchase gifts or books.

"There are shoppers to shop for kids," said Malkmus. "We use money people have donated for that."

Malkmus said helpers are needed for the sorting, wrapping and other projects to be done to get the presents ready for the Douglas County families.

"You can help for an hour or a day, and children 10 and up can help too," she said. "We'll have heaters and hot cider so come join your neighbors in helping to make this Christmas a little more festive for Douglas County families in need."

Contributions are tax deductible, as Project Santa is an IRS 501 (c)(3) organization, I.D. No. 88-0258742. Mail monetary donations to Project Santa Claus, P. O. Box 3031, Gardnerville, NV, 89410. Information, Marilyn Malkmus, 782-4931.

Bikes needed for Project Santa Claus

The Carson Valley Kiwanis Club seeks good quality used bicycles to be cleaned and repaired by the young people at China Spring and Aurora Pines and donated to Project Santa Claus. Drop bikes off at the Gardnerville Ranchos General Improvement District office on Mitch Drive or the Town of Gardnerville maintenance yard, 1369 Highway 395. Information, Gary Dove, 265-9443.