Businesses gathering donations for the holidays

Balloon Nevada and Toys for Tots are combining efforts on Saturday with a Toy Drive at the Gardnerville location featuring free tethered balloon rides.

The drive will be open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. with flights 7-10 a.m. for those age 5 and older, depending on the weather.

Bring a new and unwrapped toy for a chance to win a hot air balloon ride for two.

Balloon Nevada is located at 1144 Highway 395 in Gardnerville. Contact them at 775-344-9988.

To sign up for Toys for Tots call 775-430-0554 or 775-430-1944 for Spanish speakers 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Northern Nevada construction company Metcalf Builders is conducting a Toys & Tools Holiday Drive to benefit a nonprofit children’s charity as well as local construction programs. The ‘toy’ part of the drive provides children’s toys to Toys for Tots, and the ‘tools’ portion will provide tools to construction program classrooms at Western Nevada College.

The drive runs through Dec. 18.  Individuals can drop off toys or tools anytime between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays at the Valage Senior Living Community Jobsite, 973 Ironwood Drive, Minden or Metcalf Main Office, 2578 S. Curry St., Suite 1, Carson City.

• Max’s Pet Supplies is holding its annual DAWG Holiday Gift Tree through the end of the year.

The gifts will benefit the dogs and cats at the Douglas County Animal Shelter and the pets of families depending on FISH in the Gardnerville Ranchos.

See Kori or her staff in Max’s about what pet food and items will best help the dogs and cats.

• Guild Mortgage held a one week collection drive for donations for domestic violence shelter Abbey’s Crossing, which is operated by the Family Support Council.

The donations will be used to decorate the local shelter this holiday season.  Donated items included wreaths, garland, musical trees, ornaments and other festive goodies.