Turkeys, dinner fixings needed at food closet

by Sharlene Irete

sirete@recordcourier.com

Bill Hart was rotating stock in the walk-in refrigerator at the Carson Valley Community Food Closet on Monday. He said turkey donations have been slow up to this point this year.

"Block D will get us about 100 turkeys, but every year we have to order some more turkeys. That's when those cash donations come in handy - for us to buy turkeys," said Hart, who has been volunteering at the food closet for about seven years. "We'll fill this walk-in up before Thanksgiving and do it again for Christmas."

Donations of turkeys and all the fixings for Thanksgiving meals are needed at the food closet.

"Last year we helped 1,100 people for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it will probably be close to that this year," said Kathy Thompson, director of the Carson Valley Community Food Closet.

Besides Thanksgiving dinner, other food items are needed: canned milk, macaroni and cheese, soups, fruits and vegetables in normal-sized cans, canned tuna, peanut butter. Fresh milk is needed, as well as personal care items, feminine care items, and paper products.

"We give them things they can get a meal out of - something cohesive and healthy," Thompson said about putting meals together for food closet clients.

"No salt, low salt, low sugar food items are needed because a lot of people have health issues," she said. "If you can take that extra second to buy these, the clients greatly appreciate it."

Food closet clients have to register for food through Douglas County Social Services by Friday to receive their Thanksgiving food on Tuesday, Nov. 23.

Thompson said to call the food closet at 782-3711 and she will direct those who have need.

"People have called - 'How do we get some food?' It's that time of year," she said. "People have gone through their unemployment, and things are falling apart for them. We also expect an increase in need for Project Santa Claus."

Nancy Hollenbach is taking over the job of Project Santa Claus organizer from Marilyn Malkmus this year.

"I just logged in my 400th kid. Last year we had 750 kids and expect 800 this year," said Hollenbach. "Children or their parents fill out a form listing what they'd like. The names and ages are on a master list. Every kid gets two gifts. Marilyn always made sure to give a toy and book to each kid."

Project Santa Claus Angel Trees are located at Raley's, Scolari's, R&T Cleaners, Sharkey's, and other Carson Valley businesses in Carson Valley. Angel Tree gifts need to be wrapped, marked with the family number, and returned to the Angel Tree sites by Dec. 15.

"I've been on the board of directors at the food closet for nine years," she said. "It's a program I believe in. I think every kid should have Christmas."

For information about sponsoring a child or a family for Christmas, call Hollenbach at 783-1821.

Details:

Carson Valley Community Food Closet, open 12:30 -4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 1255 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville, 782-3711.

Make cash donations to the food closet at Raley's checkout counters, through Scolari's Friendship Fund, at the food closet, or send to send Carson Valley Community Food Closet, P.O. Box 2911, Gardnerville, NV 89410.

Purchase food bags at local markets including Scolari's and Raley's.

Douglas County Social Services, 1133 Spruce St., Minden. 782-9825.

Project Santa Claus information, Marilyn Malkmus, 782-4931, or Nancy Hollenbach, 783-1821.

Project Santa Claus winter clothing donations accepted at Helping Hands Thrift Shop, 1418 Industrial Way, Gardnerville. Those in need of warm clothing receive vouchers through Douglas County Social Services to get warm clothing at Helping Hands.