Christmas in August for Carson Valley kids

Christmas came early this year for 65 Carson Valley children who participated in the fifth annual Active 20-30 Club children's shopping spree. Sponsored by Sierra Nevada No. 730 and Carson Valley No. 85 Active 20-30 clubs, more than $6,000 was donated by the clubs and residents to provide kids new clothes, shoes and basics to help prepare them for the upcoming school year.

Joined by nearly 40 volunteers, members of the Active 20-30 Club spent the morning at Walmart in Carson Valley helping children select the latest fashions, locate their correct sizes and find all of the necessities on their lists. The kids rounded out the morning by enjoying breakfast donated by McDonald's Restaurant.

Children also received haircuts that were provided by Great Clips and Cost Cutters.

"We were overwhelmed with the support we received from our community," said Jennifer Motti, president of Sierra Nevada Active 20-30 Club. "This year was a great success and I'd like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, donors, and partners who enabled us to touch the lives of so many children."

The children's shopping spree is a part of the Active 20-30 Club's national project, in which all Active 20-30 Clubs across the United States and Canada participate in a similar event on or around August 1.

In 2008, the Active 20-30 Clubs of the United States and Canada were able to donate $300,000 to more than 2,200 children across the country.

The Active 20-30 Club is an international, nonprofit organization comprised of local clubs that raises funds for the special needs children in the community.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in Carson Valley in 2009, the Sierra Nevada Active 20-30 Club annually donates thousands of dollars in support of local charities and children's groups, including Kids and Horses, Tahoe Youth and Family Services, Boys & Girls Club and Austin's House.

For more information or to find out how to join, visit www.sierranv2030.org.