Carson Valley Lions went shopping for Project Santa Claus at WalMart on Saturday morning. Photo special to The R-C
It’s unlikely anyone is getting an actual partridge in a pear tree but if they are on this first day of Christmas, volunteers participating in Project Santa Claus at the Douglas County Fairgrounds would find a way to wrap it.
A tradition for 35 years, volunteers are wrapping presents that have been donated by service clubs across Carson Valley.
“Since its inception in 1988, Project Santa Claus has been a heartwarming force of good, uniting community members, local businesses, and service clubs to bring the joy of Christmas to children in need across the Carson Valley,” Organizer Alicia Main said on Tuesday. “In collaboration with partners such as the Kiwanis Club of Carson Valley, Rotary Club of Minden, Carson Valley Food Closet, Family Support Council of Douglas County, China Spring Youth Camp, Carson Valley Sertoma, Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club, and Carson Valley Lions, this initiative has become a cherished tradition, symbolizing the true essence of the holiday season.”
One of the sources of the gifts that are being wrapped are the Angel Trees decorated with cards for gift requests, Main said.
“Each card represents a child aged 17 or younger and features two gift requests,” she said. “Community members are invited to select a card, purchase the listed gifts, and contribute to the magic of Christmas for a child in need.”
Distribution of the wrapped presents on Friday and Saturday is determined with the help of the Family Support Council and the Carson Valley Food Closet.
“These organizations play a pivotal role in identifying and enrolling families in need of assistance during the Christmas season,” Main said. “Through their combined efforts, Project Santa Claus ensures that every child, regardless of their economic circumstances, can experience the joy and wonder of the holiday season.”
Present distribution is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.
“Beyond the presents, these moments are about building connections, fostering community spirit, and ensuring that every child feels valued and loved,” Main said.
The network of organizations that partners with Project Santa Claus includes the Kiwanis Club of Carson Valley, Rotary Club of Minden, Carson Valley Food Closet, Family Support Council of Douglas County, China Spring Youth Camp, Carson Valley Sertoma, Carson Valley Active 20/30 Club, and Carson Valley Lions exemplify the spirit of collaboration and selflessness.”
“Together, they form an unyielding alliance committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those in our community,” Main said.
Donations are still being accepted and those residents whose holiday tradition include volunteering, there’s still wrapping to do.
Anyone interested in volunteering, should contact Main at 775-450-4969.
Contributions may be sent to PO Box 3031, Gardnerville, NV 89410, or dropped off directly at the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“As another Christmas season approaches, Project Santa Claus remains a testament to the power of community, compassion, and collective goodwill,” Main said. “Project Santa Claus serves as a reminder that when communities unite with a common goal, they can create magic, spreading joy that transcends the holiday season and leaving an enduring impact on the lives of those who need it most.”
