Thanks for help

EDITOR:

On behalf of Judge David Gamble, Ninth Judicial District, Department I, and employees from China Spring and Aurora Pines Girls Facility, I would like to thank Marilyn Malkmus, Project Santa, Carson Valley Kiwanis, and Keith Hart, proprietor Big Daddy's Bicycles and Fitness, for their efforts and generous donations with the Project Santa bicycle program. Carson Valley Kiwanis and Big Daddy's Bicycle and Fitness donate used bicycles for refurbishing. In addition, Carson Valley Kiwanis provides the funding source for the materials and tools to repair the bicycles.

The partnership between Project Santa, Carson Valley Kiwanis, Big Daddy's Bicycles and the camp generated over 90 bicycles that were donated to Project Santa that were presented as gifts to needy individuals during the holiday season.

The China Spring Youth Camp benefits from the bicycle program as it allows for the juveniles of the camp to participate with bike maintenance and repair that encourages work ethic, enhances the learning of a trade and promotes career employability skills. In addition, the youth are able to participate with presentation of the gifts at the fairgrounds along with the Project Santa volunteers. The experience assists the youth with developing of their social skills and reinforces family values.

Again, a warm hearted thank you to everyone involved with this community endeavor. I look forward to the continued partnership.

Steven J. Thaler, camp director

China Spring Youth Camp/Aurora Pines Girls Facility