Block D Turkey Drive touches community

While Douglas High School Block D students were unloading the 2,282 pounds of groceries at the Carson Valley Food Closet Wednesday, the food was already being distributed out the front door.

For more than 20 years, the Block D Club has shopped to help fill the pantry at the Carson Valley Food Closet for the holiday season.

“We’re so thankful for what they do,” said Carson Valley Food Closet Warehouse Manager Traci Votel. “It’s great to have the youth come see what we do here and how it impacts people.”

The week prior students went out into the community asking for donations for their shopping budget, raising $4,500.

“We got calls from people in the community telling us how the students were the nicest and most respectful bunch of kids and how thankful they were for what they were doing,” said Votel.

The students shop for all the trimmings for a turkey dinner and other items such as hygiene and toiletry products that can be used throughout the year.

“It’s so helpful to the community,” said Votel. “We distribute between 350-900 dinners between Thanksgiving and Christmas so what the students do really helps us, we almost even depend on it to help get us through.”

Students showed up at Smith’s Wednesday excited to start shopping.

“It’s really about letting the community know that we are here for them and that they shouldn’t have to worry about everyday things,” said Senior and Block D member Ava Delaney.

Out of all the events Block D does throughout the year, Advisors Joe Andrews and Kendra Oakden said the Turkey Drive is the most meaningful.

“I’m grateful to be a part of a club where the kids give so much back to the community,” said Oakden.

The Carson Valley Food Closet will begin giving away Christmas dinners in December. For more information call the food closet, 775-782-3711.