Dear Editor: Once again the Dayton community has come together and made a difference for so many families during the holidays.

The Dayton toy drive received applications for over 650 kids this year and we were quite concerned that there would not be enough to go around. Fortunately a large, eager, group of volunteers came together who were quick to get down to business and get the donations and interest pouring in. It wasn’t long before businesses, as well as community organizations and individuals were giving.

This year was also filled with recipients giving back. Many of our volunteers were parents and family members who have received and wanted an opportunity to pay it forward. Their hard work and desire to make a difference was felt by all who participated.

Every single person who gave their time and /or resources made a difference in helping to create a good experience for so many families. There were so many hugs and tears of happiness, so much gratitude and cheer all made possible because of so many generous actions and giving spirits.

Thank you all for taking part in something so big and so important to parents who needed a little bit of help ensuring a happy memory for their children.

A special thank you goes out to the following businesses and clubs:

Stand Tall – thank you for your annual coat drive
Kiwanis
Soroptimists
Northeast Masonry
Wal-Mart
The Bookworm of Dayton
Celtic Lawn & Landscape
Dayton Valley Golf Club
Dayton Stor-All

And a very special thanks goes to Dayton Intermediate School’s Leadership and Honors class for their outstanding efforts with fundraising and volunteering!

We would also like to offer a special thanks to John Alexander and volunteers for all their hard work and time in getting fire wood to families in need, especially during the holidays.

Special thanks also to businesses that hosted donation barrels:

Curves

Dayton Utilities

1st & 10 Grill

Subway of Dayton

Pizza Factory of Datyon

Coldwell Banker

Stor-All

Dayton Valley Learning Center

River Vista Fitness

Comstock Mortgage

Road Runner Café of Dayton

Greater Nevada Credit Union

Terribles

Dayton Post Office

Smiths Grocery of Dayton

Dayton Elementary School

Dayton Intermediate School

Dayton High School

Sutro Elementary

Riverview Elementary

Sincerely,

Wendy Madson of Healthy Communities Coalition and Community Roots
(775) 246-7550.