There is no means by which we can measure the look of joy in a child’s eyes as they open a gift. Or the relief in a parent’s face when there is food for the holiday table and warm coats for the family. If there were, the Truckee Community Christmas scores would be off the charts!
Truckee Community Christmas acts as an umbrella organization coordinating various local drives that take place during the holiday season targeting local families in need. It is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The TCC board members work with local agencies such as the Family Resource Center, Project MANA and area schools and churches, to identify local needy families. They then provide food, grocery gift cards and an age-appropriate toy for each child in the family. The senior program provides gifts, food and grocery gift cards to identified low income seniors and to area homebound seniors.
Last year, Truckee Community Christmas benefited approximately 215 families, 25 teenage moms and their babies, 60 low income seniors and 78 homebound seniors.
Everything provided to recipients is donated by community members. You’ll see toy bins throughout town, including here at the Dickson office at 11836 Donner Pass Road. The local chapter of Soroptimists spearheads the toy drive, and wraps the donated gifts. Coats are collected at Church of the Mountains, at 10069 Church St., Tahoe Forest Church on Hirschdale Road, Mountain Hardware and Starbucks through Dec. 17. Both Safeway and Savemart have bins to collect food donations, as well as several other locations throughout town. Suggested items for food donations are on the bins to pick up and take with you as you shop. La Galleria will partner with Truckee Community Christmas for the fourth year by accepting food donations which help feed families in the local community. Bring in a small bag of non-perishable food items between December 4th and December 20th and receive 15% off one item!
Items that are always in need are gift cards and gifts for older children, 13 years and above. Keep in mind that the gift cards should be for local stores as transportation is often an issue for these families. Wrapping paper is always an appreciated donation, as well. Food items being donated should be carefully checked to be sure the expiration date has not passed. Unfortunately, due to health codes no homemade products or homemade canned goods can be accepted.
It takes a village to make the magic happen and volunteers are always welcome! This is a great teaching moment for families with young children. Perhaps you can have your child pick out a new toy they would like to “donate” to another less fortunate child their age. Or have them go through their closet for coats, hats and gloves they no longer wear and can donate. Help is needed at the grocery store collection bins (2 hour shifts, weekends) and sorting the collected food, as well. For more information about Truckee Community Christmas and how you can get involved, click here.
