Sertoma dons coat drive for fourth year

Carson Valley Sertoma Club’s 4th annual coat drive is ongoing through Jan. 31, and their signature blue donation barrels are placed in a number of locations throughout Douglas County and Carson City. Sertoma is collecting new and gently used coats, sweaters, gloves, scarves, socks, hats, and blankets to be distributed among organizations serving those in need.

The event is co-chaired by Eileen Behr and Pat Cardinal. Behr said last year’s drive collected 2000 coats and more than 5500 warm items.

“We really don’t know what to expect in the way of contributions in 2020,” she said. “Douglas County residents have always been generous in donating…we hope people cleaned out their closets during the quarantine and are just waiting to give us their coats, sweaters, scarves, knit hats, and gloves.”

Monetary donations to the coat drive are welcome and used to purchase other needed items including toiletries, toilet paper, and office supplies. Children’s coats are also in high demand.

Currently, 27 organizations and retail stores host donation barrels. Douglas County locations are: ABE Printing and Copy Center; Ace Hardware; Anytime Fitness; CoCoMoes Q; C.O.D. Casino; Custom Framing & Design LLC; Double J Automotive; Douglas County Community Center; Douglas County Library (both the Minden and Lake Tahoe branches); DST Coffee; The Grill Next Door; J&M Market; Lucky Liquors; Round Table Pizza; St. Gall Catholic Church; Sierra Market; Tractor Supply Co.; Wa She Shu Casino; and 7-11 on Tillman Lane.

Donation barrels in Carson City are located at: Benson’s Feed & Tack; Carson City Library; Carson City Senior Center; Guild Mortgage; Tractor Supply Co., Trader Joe’s; and 7-11 on Hwy 50 east.

Barrel tenders visit each location weekly to collect donated items, which are then sorted and distributed to partner organizations. Sertoma established safety protocols for each step of this process which are posted on their website.

The first round of donations is being distributed this week, and Behr is heartened by the growing enthusiasm for the coat drive. “[It] is becoming a great all-community event,” she said.

Sertoma is a volunteer organization whose name means SERvice TO MANkind. All are welcome to attend their meetings, held 7-8 a.m. on the first and third Friday of each month at C.O.D. Casino, 1593 Esmeralda Avenue in Minden. Sertoma was honored with the “Service Club of the Year” award at the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce Community Recognition Awards held on November 7.

Those interested in making a monetary donation to Sertoma, hosting a collection barrel, or providing the name of an organization that would benefit from a coat drive clothing donation can log onto carsonvalleysertoma.org for more information.

Carson Valley Golf Course hosts Turkey Shoot

CVGC’s annual Turkey Shoot tees off Saturday with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Tournament play is best 15 holes, and golfers can earn up to three mulligans by donating canned goods (3 cans equals 1 mulligan with a max of three mulligans).

Food donation is an integral part of this tournament and all items collected benefit the Carson Valley Community Food Closet. Reflecting upon past events, CVGC owner Manya Brooks said, “People are always so generous during this time of year, and [the turkey shoot] is a great way to support a good cause.”

Cost is $40 and that covers the cart, game, food, and $10 prize fund. Season pass holders pay the usual fee plus $15. Turkeys will be awarded to the top two ladies, top two men, and top junior player.

CVGC is located at 1027 Riverview Drive in the Gardnerville Ranchos.

Call 775-265-3181 or log on to carsonvalleygolf.com to register for the tournament.