The Ron Wood Family Resource Center is seeking donations of nonperishable food, personal hygiene supplies and a replacement cargo van as the nonprofit prepares to assist families during the holiday season.
The organization is also seeking funding to purchase its current facility and establish a 24-hour, self-service food distribution site.
In an Oct. 28 announcement, Executive Director Scott Morgan said rising grocery, housing, fuel and other living expenses are increasing the need for assistance among working families in Carson City and surrounding rural communities.
“The reality is that families throughout our community face financial challenges year-round,” Morgan said. “Sometimes, a little help with groceries, personal hygiene items, or other basic necessities can make the difference.”
The center’s immediate needs include replacing its aging cargo van, which is used to transport donated food, support Toys for Tots distributions and assist foster youth and families.
With the current van nearing the end of its life, there is growing concern it may not make it through the holiday season.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community, but we need reliable transportation to get those donations to the families who need them most,” Morgan said.
The organization is asking businesses and residents to consider donating a replacement vehicle, or contributing toward the purchase of one.
The center is also seeking major donors to help purchase its current facility, including the food bank, and develop a self-service food distribution location that would operate around the clock. The proposed facility would allow residents to obtain food outside regular operating hours.
Several local businesses and organizations are assisting with holiday food distributions.
Carson City Toyota Campagni Auto Group and Save Mart Friends Feeding Friends are supporting the distribution of uncooked Thanksgiving meals to 100 families. The auto group is also providing assistance for the Christmas season.
KNVC 95.1 FM Carson City Community Radio is organizing the Charlie Abowd Memorial Turkey and Food Drive from Nov. 2-25 to collect food for local families.
The center also receives ongoing food donations from Dollar General, FoodMaxx, The Greenhouse Project, Raley’s, Smith’s, Walmart, Costco, Save Mart and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
In addition to operating an emergency food bank, the Ron Wood Family Resource Center provides family support services, parenting education, child abuse prevention programs, youth development services and assistance for foster youth transitioning to independent living.
The center serves Carson City, surrounding counties and rural Nevada. Bilingual staff and family advocates provide assistance and referrals.
The emergency food bank is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Food, hygiene supplies and financial contributions can be directed to the Ron Wood Family Resource Center, 2621 Northgate Lane, Suite 62, Carson City.
For more information or to discuss vehicle and facility donations, contact Morgan at 775-884-2269 or executive_director@carson-family.org.
Additional information is available at www.carson-family.org.
