The holiday season is just around the corner and local charities are doing their part to make sure many families in need don’t have to suffer.
Deadlines are already quickly approaching for people to sign up to get help.
The holidays are supposed to be a great time for families, but for some it brings extra stress.
The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada are providing many opportunities for those families in a pinch, so they can have a smile on their face during the holidays.
This Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada will be hosting a free Christmas shopping day for families at their 500 E. Fourth St. location.
They will be giving away holiday decorations and gifts such as wallets, slippers, and more.
The charity will also be giving out Thanksgiving baskets including turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
People can still apply at one of their food pantries or online.
Holiday Food Baskets – Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (ccsnn.org)
Registration is limited to the first 2,000 people, so make sure to apply as fast as you can.
They will also have another round of baskets near Christmas time, with ham instead of turkey.
The charity will also give away stockings and distribute Toys for Tots in December.
“We always ask people, please don’t double dip,” said Marie Baxter, CEO for Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada. “Like if you sign up for one, we want to make sure every child has a magical Christmas so pick one that’s going to work for your family and register for that program.”
The Salvation Army is still accepting registrations for their angel tree until this Friday.
Children will receive donations in the form of Christmas presents.
Families can either sign up online or at their social security office located at 1931 Sutro St from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Adults will need to provide proof of residence, income and identification.
For their children, they will need either a vaccine card, Medicare card, or birth certificate.
While Friday is the deadline, if they still have room for more donations, they’ll be accepting more registrations afterwards.
For the Salvation Army, giving families in need this experience means the world.
“When I see parents, mothers, come up and hug us and get out of the car and hug us because they know their kids are going to see joy on Christmas that, that day is going to be a great day for their family,” said Major Randy Hartt, Washoe County Coordinator for the Salvation Army. “That means everything to me.”
The Salvation Army and Washoe County Search and Rescue team are also hosting a turkey drive at the Atlantis Casino on November 16.
They will receive turkey donations, save them in a freezer, and then distribute them out on December 20 for Christmas dinner.