News
ENLARGE
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Santa needs your help across the North Shore.
Approximately 130 children from Incline Village and Crystal Bay annually receive a single holiday gift through the local Toys for Tots program. Last year saw that need rise dramatically to more than 500 children searching for some seasonal magic, said Incline Village resident Cheryl Delehanty, coordinator of the long-running Lake Tahoe program in Nevada.
The Toys for Tots program began in the late 1940s through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Its motto of “deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens” has been carried in high regard for four decades by the employees of Coldwell Banker Incline Village Reality, where Delehanty works.
Delehanty, who has coordinated the event for the past 19 years, is fast to praise fellow employees, other area businesses and residents who dedicate hours of volunteering to make a child happy.
The fun begins from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, with the annual Crab Feed at Rookies at the Raley's Plaza in Incline Village. Thanks to owner Serge Rigisich's donation of the food, the only admission is either a toy or a monetary donation. Saturday's menu also includes pasta and salad.
Furthermore, a live auction could provide two unique 2012 vacations to the winning bidders. Rigisich is donating his boat for two days of fishing in Mexico, while real estate agent Pam Fernandez is offering her house on Maui for a five-night stay for up to four people.
When it comes to buying a gift, Delehanty has a couple of suggestions.
“We suggest the toy cost range from $15 to $30,” she said. “It can cover board games to a curling iron for a teenager.”
Gift cards are frowned upon, due to a family's possible inability to redeem them.
At Tahoe City's River Ranch Lodge, the Family Winter Welcome Party celebrates its third year on Tuesday, Dec. 6, as part of the Toys For Tots spirit.
By bringing an unwrapped toy or item for children ages infant to teenagers to the restaurant, celebrants can enjoy a $6 happy hour bar menu until 6:30 p.m. and a specially priced lasagna dinner. The spirited atmosphere is heightened by a concert of seasonal music by the North Tahoe High School Jazz Ensemble, and keeping it sweet will be free cookies and s'mores for children.
Lastly, the 32nd Toys For Tots Kick-Off Party will be Wednesday, Dec. 7, at The Chateau in Incline Village. Marines in their dress blues, people decked out in festive finery and a big guy in red will all converge to dance to the music of DJ Alex “Boogie” Smith. The fete for goodwill to others will be fueled by appetizers and cocktails and a series of prizes.
Anyone who needs a toy from the program needs to register through their church or LifePoint Church located in Incline Village. Proof of residency is required.
Approximately 130 children from Incline Village and Crystal Bay annually receive a single holiday gift through the local Toys for Tots program. Last year saw that need rise dramatically to more than 500 children searching for some seasonal magic, said Incline Village resident Cheryl Delehanty, coordinator of the long-running Lake Tahoe program in Nevada.
The Toys for Tots program began in the late 1940s through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Its motto of “deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens” has been carried in high regard for four decades by the employees of Coldwell Banker Incline Village Reality, where Delehanty works.
Delehanty, who has coordinated the event for the past 19 years, is fast to praise fellow employees, other area businesses and residents who dedicate hours of volunteering to make a child happy.
The fun begins from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, with the annual Crab Feed at Rookies at the Raley's Plaza in Incline Village. Thanks to owner Serge Rigisich's donation of the food, the only admission is either a toy or a monetary donation. Saturday's menu also includes pasta and salad.
Furthermore, a live auction could provide two unique 2012 vacations to the winning bidders. Rigisich is donating his boat for two days of fishing in Mexico, while real estate agent Pam Fernandez is offering her house on Maui for a five-night stay for up to four people.
When it comes to buying a gift, Delehanty has a couple of suggestions.
“We suggest the toy cost range from $15 to $30,” she said. “It can cover board games to a curling iron for a teenager.”
Gift cards are frowned upon, due to a family's possible inability to redeem them.
At Tahoe City's River Ranch Lodge, the Family Winter Welcome Party celebrates its third year on Tuesday, Dec. 6, as part of the Toys For Tots spirit.
By bringing an unwrapped toy or item for children ages infant to teenagers to the restaurant, celebrants can enjoy a $6 happy hour bar menu until 6:30 p.m. and a specially priced lasagna dinner. The spirited atmosphere is heightened by a concert of seasonal music by the North Tahoe High School Jazz Ensemble, and keeping it sweet will be free cookies and s'mores for children.
Lastly, the 32nd Toys For Tots Kick-Off Party will be Wednesday, Dec. 7, at The Chateau in Incline Village. Marines in their dress blues, people decked out in festive finery and a big guy in red will all converge to dance to the music of DJ Alex “Boogie” Smith. The fete for goodwill to others will be fueled by appetizers and cocktails and a series of prizes.
Anyone who needs a toy from the program needs to register through their church or LifePoint Church located in Incline Village. Proof of residency is required.
If you go
What: Crab Freed
Where: Rookies, Incline Village When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 Phone: 775-833-6444 What: Family Welcome Winter Party Where: River Ranch, Tahoe City When: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 Phone: 530-583-4264 Online: www.riverranchlodge.com What: 32nd Annual Toys for Tots Kickoff Party Where: The Chateau, Incline Village When: 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7 Phone: 775-833-6444 |
