For many years, local children and teens in need have been able to receive Christmas gifts through a shopping experience. However, this year, due to the number of qualifying children, teenagers in transition will not be able to participate.
On learning this, one local business decided to step in to fill the gap.
Lezlee Robinson of Rice Street Tattoo has been “adopting” teens in foster care during the holidays for several years, pairing them with locals who want to give back and fill their wish lists, or simply taking on the task herself using community donations.
However, those numbers were typically in the single digits up to a dozen or so depending on the year. This year, the number is far greater now that they’ve decided to take on teens in transition.
“This year more than ever we need the community’s help,” Robinson said. “It’s extremely important to me that we start with what we can do in our own community.”
Robinson said the number of children in transition, which means they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, in Carson City is heartbreaking.
“This is an area I think we will absolutely be able to make a huge impact in with the help of our community.”
As a part of the project, Rice Street has partnered with the Carson City School District’s transition youths, Carson City Juvenile Detention Center, and Carson City Seniors without Families to provide gifts for the holidays.
There are a number of ways you can help Rice Street complete their mission. Without the help and generosity of the community, many of the teens may have to go without a Christmas this year.
First, Rice Street has a traditional list on their website for donations which can be found at https://www.ricestreettattoo.com/christmas-donation-list
If you are looking to adopt and shop for a particular person that could use your help, the donation list is the best way to go about it; there are still a handful of individuals who haven’t been picked yet.
In addition to the typical annual Community Christmas Drive, they are arranging a shopping trip for dozens of teens in the transition program which is dubbed “Holiday with a Homie.”
They’ve received a number of donations from local businesses, but they have a long way to go. “As you know, a dollar doesn’t get you much these days.”
“Many local business owners and community members have offered their time to come spend time with these kids to help them get what they need,” Robinson said. “These teens are soon to be transitioning into adulthood and could use the help of obtaining essentials for day-to-day life.”
For the Holiday with a Homie shopping experience, Rice Street Tattoo and Events is looking for cash donations from the community, which will also enter participants into a raffle for a $200 gift certificate and merchandise bundle. From Nov. 30 through Dec. 15, every $25 donation will result in a raffle ticket.
The winner will be announced on Dec. 16, 2023.
All proceeds will go towards the transition youth in the Carson City School District.
Rice Street Tattoo is located at 113 Rice Street in Carson City, and you can also contact Robinson at (775) 240 6758 to donate or receive more information.
