Let's make this a season of miracles

Ho! Ho! Ho! It's that season, and I am inundated with telephone calls.

I got a call from Teri Basa from the Sugar Pine Cove, saying she wanted to help local children. Teri and her husband, Eric, and their two little ones have so much to be thankful for, they've decided to help Vi Bibee's Salvation Army "Toys for Joy" program by setting up big barrels in her store and adjoining businesses.

Drop off toys for all ages at Red's Old 395 Grill and Chick James' Realty Executives Office. Teri's even offering a discount when you donate a toy in the barrel at her store.

Chick said, "Our community was amazing last year. They stopped by and dropped off tons of toys. It's a great feeling to help children all through the year, but during the holidays, it's even better."

Vi also has families to adopt.

Salvation Army 'Toys for Joy' Christmas Program

Where: 1055, 1071 and 1087 S. Carson St.

When: Through Dec. 22

Contact: Vi Bibee at 887-9120 to adopt a family or for information

I think we have all heard about closure of the Do Drop In homeless day shelter. However, what we haven't heard about is what else director Dee Dee Foremaster has done.

In recent Appeal articles, her on-site clients were interviewed. However, she has also helped the children of her clients. As the Carson City School District's homeless advocate, I can tell you Dee Dee has helped several children get medical attention.

She also advocates for her clients when a child needs to be enrolled in school, but the parent does not have the required information. She recently made sure several children from her shelter participated in the Western Nevada Shopping Spree.

The children she helps would have slipped through the cracks if it was not for her persistent dedication.

It is very unfortunate the shelter is being evicted, but it's Christmas, and I do believe in miracles. If someone wants to help Dee Dee continue the life-changing things she does, please come to the following event Dec. 14 at the Carson City Library.

The Celtic concert benefit features Wild Sage and the Leaping Lassies Irish Dancers. Admission is free, however organizers will accept donations for the center.

As Dee Dee keeps saying with a strong conviction, "When God closes a door, he opens a window." Come down and help with that window. Make it a merry Christmas for others in need.

Do Drop In

benefit concert

Where: Carson City Library, 900 N. Roop St.

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 14

Cost: Free but donations gladly accepted

Contact: Dee Dee Foremaster at 841-2580

If you want to show your child or grandchild an old-fashioned good time, bundle them up for the Santa Train.

I used to take all three of my children each year. They still have fond memories of getting on the train - but more important, of Santa handing them a candy cane.

This event is sponsored by the Nevada State Railroad Museum and The Friends of the Museum. This ride with Santa is free, the memories to be cherished, and it's a great family time.

Santa Train

When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Where: Nevada State Railroad Museum, 2180 S. Carson St.

Contact: 687-6953

I received an e-mail from my very good friend Sandy Hatchell, who gave me the inside scoop that "Santa is coming to town" Saturday at the Children's Museum.

On Santa Day, have your photo taken with him for $2, listen to a Christmas story, create a Christmas craft, decorate cookies, and do your holiday shopping in the museum gift shop.

Visit with the special guests from Eclectic Clay. There is no paint fee with the purchase of any pottery piece, so get creative while painting your own Christmas ornament.

A representative from U.S. Bourne Books will sell educational and fun books.

All other Christmas activities are free with paid admission to the museum. So hit the Santa Train then finish up the day at the Children's Museum. If you bring in a toy on Santa Day to donate to the Salvation Army barrel for "Toys for Joys," you can purchase a family membership for a 10 percent discount.

Santa Day

Where: Northern Nevada Children's Museum, 813 N. Carson St.

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Cost: $5 adults, $3 children, museum members are free. Pictures with Santa are $2.

Contact: Sandy Hatchell at 884-2226

n If you would like your information included, please contact me at kimriggs@att.net.