Correction officers host a car wash fundraiser

A car wash fundraiser at Nevada State Prison May 7 will benefit a Carson City mother whose two children died as a result of a car accident April 22.

Nevada Department of Corrections Senior Officer Steve Lennon, car wash organizer, said a number of corrections officers volunteered to participate in the fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the NSP parking lot off East Fifth Street.

"I'm a father of three and the children are the same age as mine and the little girl shares a name with my daughter," said Lennon, who is also commander of the NDOC Honor Guard. "I was just going to ask my team do it and then it just took off from there. The whole entire department is coming through."

For a suggested minimum donation of $5 officers will wash and dry your car while you wait with a refreshment, said Lennon.

Alexis Melendrez, 8, died Saturday and her 3-year-old brother Colton died Wednesday from injuries the two sustained in the Mound House accident that claimed the life of their father David Melendrez, 30.

Melendrez was eastbound near Kit Kat Road when he crossed the center line and struck two vehicles. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Dave Cox of Grocery Outlet has agreed to donate the cleaning supplies and refreshments for the event.

"It's just tragic what's happened," Cox said.

On Thursday, he placed canisters at each of his registers to collect donations to be deposited into the Alexis and Colton Melendrez Memorial Account at Heritage Bank, Account No. 2000008744.

Deputy Bill Richards, speaking on behalf of Natasha Johnson, Alexis and Colton's mother, said Thursday no arrangements have been yet made for the funerals of Johnson's only children. Johnson is engaged to marry Carson City Sheriff's Deputy Don Gibson.

Richards said Johnson will not be able to pay for the two funerals and the large medical bills likely to come as a result of the hospital's efforts to save the children.

"She needs the help," Richards said.

He said the family is grateful for the community support they've received.

Tonight at the Sonic Drive-in, 1856 E. College Parkway, co-worker's of Gibson's in the Carson City Deputy Sheriff's Association are hosting "Cruise Night For Colton & Alexis."

Any vehicle can enter for $10. The proceeds will also go to the children's memorial fund.