‘Tis the Season

The holiday season, a time of joy and celebration, can also be a challenging period for many. Some families face the stark reality of hardship and struggle while trying to stretch their time and finances to deliver positive experiences for their children. This year, our Good Works Committee recognized this contrast and stepped up to make a significant difference in the lives of 9 people in our Reno-Sparks-Tahoe community.

Through the Nevada Chapter Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, the Committee selected three families needing extra holiday support, each one led by a single mother and each with two children. “The goal was to make the gifts feel personal and impactful,” said Ashley Reidy, the committee’s chairperson, “and to lighten their loads this year by handling things start to finish.”

Committee members researched their gift lists and allocated $750 per family. Gift items included winter coats, bikes, hair products, dish sets, knife sets, clothing iron, card games, sports equipment, books, toys, bed sets, and shoes.

“It felt great to have enough buying power to make all the special purchases in addition to the clothes and necessities that are often included in holiday gift lists,” said shopper/wrapper Erica Thomas. We also had a fun time together adding the holiday sparkle in the wrap party which took about 1.5 hours with seven helpers. Thanks to wrappers Randi McGuire, Chris Wilcox, Larissa Vocke-Merkert, Jose Soto, Greg Meehan, Melanie Heilig, Erica Thomas, and Tobin Basta!