Mound House businesses, Pony Express riders make holiday merrier for those in need

About 30 Mound House families are going to get a special Christmas courtesy of their neighbors.

The Mound House Business Association has sponsored a combination food drive, clothing drive and toy drive to help needy families in the community. Rick Mirk, owner of the Old Time Cafe, said the businesses have gone above and beyond the call in donating money and items.

"We thought we would collect enough for Christmas dinner for 13 or 14 families who can't quite afford it themselves," he said. "They would get a turkey or ham, and all the other things you would find on a holiday table. Plus we're collecting some clothes for cold weather and toys for the kids."

But the community came up with assistance for about 30 families, Mirk said.

"Mound House is kind of the forgotten stepchild," Mirk said. "It's between Carson City and Dayton, and there are not many programs out here."

He said 42 children and their families will be at the restaurant at 1 p.m. Sunday to receive gifts and food baskets, handed out by riders from the Northern Nevada Pony Express Association.

The group is working with the business association, FISH in Carson City and the WIC program and Parks and Recreation Department in Dayton to locate Mound House residents who aren't already being helped.

"We're really happy as heck to help out the families that we can," Mirk said. "The support we have gotten is unbelievable."

-- Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.

You can help

To donate food, toys and clothing, call the Old Time Cafe at 246-3938, or drop off the items at the restaurant at 10196 Highway 50 East, Mound House, by 2 p.m. today.

If you go

WHAT: Mound House Christmas donation distribution

WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: 10196 Highway 50 East, Mound House

CALL: 246-3938