Businesses find creative ways to give back to community

The economic situation has had an effect on agencies that receive donations. Many people have had to cut back on donating to their favorite causes. Some have replaced cash donations with volunteering in various ways. Many businesses have become very creative with ways to give back to the community, help themselves, and allow people to help organizations that depend on donors to fulfill their mission.

Pestmaster Services Inc. provides pest control services to homes and businesses throughout the entire northern Nevada region, from Elko to Topaz and all areas in between. They use non-toxic methods of getting rid of those pesky little bugs that take up residence in our space that actually smell pleasant. When you use their services and mention the code word, "Red Bug," they will make a donation to the local chapter of the American Red Cross. These donations stay in northern Nevada and provide food, shelter and comfort to your neighbors in times of emergencies. Most of the responses in our area are to home fires - an average of one every three days. That makes this partnership a win-win for everyone here in northern Nevada.

Another partnership is with the Reno Aces baseball team. On June 5 as part of CPR awareness week, they are offering a limited number of discount tickets to the 7 p.m. game in Reno. For $10, less than the cost of a regular admittance, we can support our local AAA baseball team, learn lifesaving skills, and have fun at the same time. The tickets are being sold on a voucher basis which means you purchase the voucher from a local volunteer, through the chapter in Reno, or at www.nevada.redcross.org; and on the day of the game, the voucher is exchanges for an admission ticket. The gates open at 6 p.m. and they are asking everyone to wear red in support of the local chapter. If you are interested in tossing the first pitch of the game, contact the chapter at (775) 856-1000 to find out further details. To purchase vouchers for the game, contact me at the number below.

 Our Ruhenstroth Volunteer Fire Department holds their annual neighborhood barbecue July 17. It gives us an opportunity to thank our firefighters, meet new friends, have some fun, and eat good food. There are many raffle items to give away and several silent raffle items to bid on. Music for dancing is provided by Coyote Entertainment and there will be fun games for the young and young-at-heart. Our firefighters will begin selling tickets soon at the mailbox cluster on Palomino and they will be coming through the neighborhood so you can get yours early. 

New volunteer firefighters are always welcome and needed in our area. Training is provided by East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts. For more information, call 782-9040 or visit the Web site at www.eastforkfire.org.

Have a ramblin' good week.

Reach Gail Davis at 265-1947 or RuhenstrothRamblings@yahoo.com