‘Tis The Season To Give In Moapa Valley

By CORINNE MESSER

The Progress

Moapa Valley residents have opened their hearts this holiday season. One doesn’t have to look very far to find a food or toy drive going on to help those in need through the holidays.

Mack Lyon Middle School has recently completed its annual Giving Tree drive. Participants of this effort choose one of the paper angels from a special Christmas tree in the front office at the school. Each angel lists items to purchase for a specific family needing assistance locally. Partnering with Moapa Valley Family Resource Center (formerly Cappalappa FRC), the gifts are delivered to 30 local families. It is all anonymous.

Although the angel gifts are already completed, those wanting to bring in additional gifts to help can drop them off at the MLMS administrative office.

In addition, MLMS Student Council was in charge of a food drive last month. Sponsored by Overton Power District, the students brought in over 1800 cans of food to go to the MV Family Resource Center (MVFRC).

Besides sponsoring the MLMS food drive, Overton Power is also doing a food drive as part of the Parade of Lights drive going on in Mesquite.

After being hit hard by a rainstorm flood a few months ago, MVFRC is up and running again. It happily accepts food items from any local donors. Boxed meals like macaroni and cheese, hamburger helper, scalloped potatoes, spaghetti, peanut butter, jelly, and canned meat are particularly appreciated.

MVFRC Director Penny Vallone expressed gratitude to members of the community who helped in the flood cleanup efforts. “We had so much help!” she said. “We can’t name all the names but we know who you are and so appreciate what you did. We were feeling defeated (about the flood destruction) until you showed up. Because of all the help, we are still here and better than ever.”

How can one help MVFRC continue to serve the community? Donate items, contribute funds, and shop in the store.

In another effort, the student council at Moapa Valley High School oversaw another annual food drive. Over 1,200 non-perishable food items were contributed. The school held a competition between mentorship classes to see who could bring in the most items. Mr. Cooper’s class of select juniors won the competition. The class was awarded with a breakfast from the student council. All of the food items from this drive were donated to the food pantry at Brooke’s Good Deeds in Logandale.

In yet another effort, the local Metro Police substation, working with MVFRC, donated 20 complete Thanksgiving dinners for local families in need.

Also, the Second Saturday Market vendors will be holding a toy drive at their event this weekend. The gifts are being geared more toward things teenagers would like. Vendors and community members are invited to bring their gifts to the Second Saturday Market at the Logandale Fairgrounds on Saturday, December 10. There will be a space at the market to receive donations. All items will go to MVFRC for distribution to families in need.

Finally, Lins Fresh Market has made it very convenient for its local customers to donate food to those in need. At the front of the store is a container to place contributed food items. Shoppers can purchase food items and deposit them into the container before leaving. Brooke’s Good Deeds receives Lins’ donations weekly.

Lin’s store manager, Jesse Jenson explained that cash donations for food were also accepted up until November 30. All of that money was used to purchase additional items for Brookes Good Deeds foor pantry, Jenson said.
“We have had outstanding community support this year with the food drive,” Jenson said. “All donated food stays right here in the valley.”

There will also be an open food pantry event on December 23 at Brooke’s Good Deeds at 3475 N Moapa Valley Blvd. in Logandale. Brooke’s Good Deeds
“We so appreciate the food donations we have received from MVHS Student Council and Lins,” said Brooke’s Good Deeds founder Shanna McPheters.