Reno, NV…For two decades the Christmas on the Corridor program has helped bring a little Christmas cheer to thousands of children and seniors who live in Reno’s 4th, 5th and 6th Street “Corridor,” and students involved in the Homeless and Transition Program through the Washoe County School District.

Generous support from the public has always been essential to the success of this annual event.

Organizers are asking the community to donate much-needed essentials for children ages 0-18 such as coats, school supplies, hygiene items, gift cards, clothing and food. Books, puzzles, and lap blankets are also needed to help brighten the season for seniors.

“We are celebrating 20 joyous years of a program that has a powerful impact on the people we service directly and Washoe County as a whole,” Detention Programs Coordinator Brooke Howard said. “Our annual gift drive would never be able to reach thousands of children and senior citizens living in our community without the kindness of our donors.”

“Many of our community members are left feeling sad, lonely, and unwanted during the holiday season. That is why it is so important to keep those who are less fortunate in our holiday plans.”

Here’s how to help:

-donate backpacks and school supplies
-donate games and books for teens and tweens
-donate gift cards (Walmart, Target, Grocery Stores, Payless Shoes, Movie Theater, etc.)
send a check, made out to the Washoe County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association (WCHDSA), c/o Brooke Howard, Program Coordinator, and P.O. Box 11130, Reno, NV 89520-0027
-donate items for a raffle to raise additional money to purchase gifts (Restaurant/Spa/Room/Ski Packages, Event Tickets, Wine Baskets, Wellness Sessions, Golf Certificates, Electronics, etc.)
-donate shampoo, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste
-donate books on CD, puzzles, paint by number sets, slippers, lap blankets, and anything else that would be appreciated by seniors
-donate food or other party items to make the holiday party a celebration the children will always remember

The deadline for donations for the 2016 Christmas on the Corridor event is December 5th. Donated items may be dropped off at the Sheriff’s Community Work Program Office located at 350 S. Center St., #101 (directly across from the Downtown Reno Library) between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or mailed to Alternatives to Incarcerations, P.O. Box 11130, Reno, NV 89520-0027.

Donated items will be distributed to children and senior citizens on Saturday, December 10, 2016. The event begins in the Greater Nevada Field (home of the Aces) on Evans Avenue at 9:00 a.m. The event includes Santa’s gift-giving caravan that visits a number of area motels and trailer parks.

Volunteers are welcome. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and all volunteers must ride in the caravan vehicles provided the day of the event. Please call to confirm interest and attendance by contacting Brooke Howard at (775) 785-4239 or e-mail: SO-OutreachPrograms@washoecounty.us

Christmas on the Corridor was started by the Reno Sparks Corridor Business Association in 1996 as a simple opportunity to hand out cookies and candy to children in the downtown corridor and has grown into a huge community event. In addition to helping those living in local motels, Christmas on the Corridor has teamed up with the Washoe County School District’s Homeless and Transition Program to provide gifts to thousands of students.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and their partners both public and private endeavor to bring Christmas to many children who would otherwise go without. They also sponsor families throughout the year by providing food, clothing, everyday essentials and school supplies.