Eight ways to support Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada this holiday season (sponsored)

From food donations to volunteering, there are plenty of ways to support Catholic Charities during the holidays.

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year for many people. But they can be challenging, too, especially for underserved populations experiencing homelessness, poverty, and mental health challenges, including children and youth.

Catholic Charities makes a significant impact in the Northern Nevada community through its programs, supporting hundreds of thousands of people and families in need across Northern Nevada. The local organization is part of the larger group Catholic Charities USA, which serves more than 7 million people each year.

Here are eight ways people can support Catholic Charities this holiday season and all year long:

1. Operation Stocking Stuffer: Every year, Catholic Charities collects donations of Christmas stockings, which will be distributed to children in our community. Pre-filled stockings for boys and girls from birth to age 18 with a value of $20 are needed. Stockings can be filled with toys, books, toiletries, gift cards, games, and more. Drop off pre-filled stockings, stockings, and stocking stuffers at St. Vincent’s Thrift Store locations in Reno and Sparks from 9 a.m.¬–3 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. and from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Sundays. Donations will be accepted through December 12.
2. Shop local: The thrift shop has been open since 1960 and has helped fund the St. Vincent’s programs for 61 years. Support Catholic Charities programs by shopping —and donating to the Catholic Charities Thrift Stores. Donations can be made daily from 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
   • St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop: 500 E. Fourth St., Reno, NV 89512. Hours: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Sunday. Details: 775-322-9824.
   • St. Vincent’s Super Thrift: 190 E. Glendale Ave., Sparks, Nevada 89431. Hours: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday. Details: 775-393-3884
3. Ask your company to support Catholic Charities: Another way to help Catholic Charities is to get your company involved with a collection drive. We can provide barrels to collect items like warm weather gear, hygiene items or food.
4. Support Catholic Charities when you add to cart: Shop on Amazon Smile and designate Catholic Charities as the beneficiary. When people shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates 0.5% of eligible purchases to the designated charitable organization with no extra cost and zero fees.
5. Amazon Wish List: People also can donate to Catholic Charities via its Amazon Wish List. There are two list options, the Wish List for Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada Resource Hub and the Workforce Development Wishlist. Online donations can be given, and there is a list of Catholic Charities agency needs here. It includes personal hygiene items, baby formula, non-perishable food items, paper products, new blankets/towels/bedding, housewares and furniture, gently-used clothing and shoes, bus passes, and winter coats.
6. Volunteer: Volunteers are always welcome at Catholic Charities, and the ongoing pandemic has meant continuous changes to the volunteer program, including a requirement that all new volunteers be vaccinated. To get started, download the Volunteer Application and fill it out. Contact Lisa Ross at [email protected] or 775-322-7073, ext. 235, to learn about volunteer opportunities.
7. Donate to Catholic Charities in the name of a loved one: Consider a donation to Catholic Charities in the name of a loved one, which also is an option for honoring celebrations such as the birth of a child, graduation, wedding, birthday, and more. At Catholic Charities, 88 cents of every dollar goes directly to feeding the hungry and providing services and resources to ease the pain of poverty in Northern Nevada.
8. Involve your Children in Giving Back: Teach your kids the importance of giving back and sort through their toys and clothes to donate unused or outgrown items to Catholic Charities.

If your family or neighborhood would like to host a food drive to collect donations for hungry families, please schedule a collection barrel delivery by contacting Lisa Ross at [email protected] or 775-322-7073, ext. 235.

Finally, non-perishable food donations to the St. Vincent’s Food Pantry are always needed. Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at the pantry, 500 E. Fourth St., Reno.

For more information on donating or volunteering at one of our programs, click here or call 775-322-7073, ext 220. For more information and to get involved, visit ccsnn.org.

Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada is dedicated to providing support to those in need in the Reno/Sparks community and across rural Nevada. On average, more than 20,000 people receive support from us every month. Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada has served individuals and families for over 77 years as a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency.

This post is paid content and does not represent the views of This Is Reno. Looking to promote your event or news? Consider a sponsored post.