Block D Turkey Drive a community effort

Douglas High School Block D students purchased nearly a ton of food, hygiene products and more for the Carson Valley Food Closet with $51 to spare of their $5,000 budget.

For almost 20 years Block D students have shopped for the Carson Valley Community Food Closet to help fill up the pantry for those in need during the holiday season.

In the canned goods aisle at Smith’s the week before Thanksgiving, seniors A.J. Thursten, Alex Diaz, Jackson Davis and Romaine Smokey IV agreed that the experience of shopping for those in need was a community effort.

“It’s a whole community that brings this together and then it all goes back into the community,” said Davis.

Block D Advisor Joe Andrews said prior to the Nov. 16 shopping, the club of 80 students went out into the community asking for donations for their shopping budget.

“As usual the community is incredibly generous,” said Andrews. “The students raised $5,000 and all the came straight from families in our area. So, it really says a lot about our community and how they recognize that there are families in need here.”

After shopping the students delivered the items to the Carson Valley Food Closet, where they helped volunteers unload the groceries.

“Block D students do an amazing job raising and shopping for holiday dinners,” said Carson Valley Food Closet Director Sarah Sanchez. “The nice thing is it brings in a good variety not just for dinners, but new product and items like baking supplies, hygienic and diapers that are needed too and we can use it throughout the year.”

Douglas High School Block D members demonstrate leadership, acting as role models, participating in community service at the high School and in the community.

“This club is all about giving back to the community and I see it, the volunteers at the food closet see it, the employees and customers at Smith’s see it and the community sees it,” said Andrews. “You all stepped up and came together in a time of need when it is appreciated the most.”

The Christmas dinner giveaway starts Dec. 16 through the week leading up to Christmas. Call the Carson Valley Food Closet for more information, 775-782-3711.