With the holiday spirit heightening as the days draw closer to Christmas, the Northern Nevada Dream Center hosted its annual Dream Christmas Services and Toy Giveaway on Sunday, bringing hope, joy and practical support to families across Northern Nevada during the holiday season.
Two powerful and inspiring services by Dream Center Pastors Dwayne and Megan Bottom were followed by an exciting toy giveaway and family celebration with NNDC volunteers, including visits with Santa Claus.
Every child attending received received a toy or gift, along with special holiday treat bags. Families also receive a Dream Christmas dinner bag, complete with a ham or turkey, helping ensure a meaningful Christmas meal at home. The event was made possible through the support and donations from the community and Dream Center volunteers.
Among the toys provided to the children, many came from a local motorcycle club, Lords of Iron, as part of the annual Carson City Toy Run, which celebrated its 41st year.
“We got a call from Steve from Lords of Iron. He said they were getting a lot of toys and asked what we needed for our Dream Christmas,” said Summer Wilson, Client Support Services staff member at Northern Nevada Dream Center. “They totally came through and brought us toys and gift cards for the kids. We are so thankful to them.”
For 12 years, NNDC has provided the Dream Christmas celebration, growing each year along with the number of families in the community. This holiday season the Dream Center is providing Christmas support for 1,100 families, said Executive Director Susan Sorenson.
“We have served more people this year in our (15-year) history. A good example of why we are needed was the delay in SNAP benefits last month. People were afraid and weren’t sure of their future of what was happening. We served 2,188 through just our food program last month, about a third more than normal in one month.”
Sorenson explained how the Dream Center provides emergency shelter, recovery programs and services, job readiness training for those locals in need.
“We’ve seen all these areas continue growing and growing, whether it is families or people unsheltered living on the streets, they are our neighbors and our friends,” she said.
In addition to toys and meals, families enjoyed a joyful Christmas atmosphere featuring music and encouragement.
“Our Dream Christmas events are about more than gifts,” said Sorenson. “They’re about restoring hope, honoring families, and reminding our community that they are seen, loved, and not alone — especially during the holidays.”
The Dream Christmas Services and Toy Giveaway are made possible through the generosity of community partners, volunteers and donors who support the Dream Center’s year-round mission of serving individuals and families in need throughout Northern Nevada. For information on how to donate, see the Northern Nevada Dream Center website here, email info@nndreamcenter.org or call 775-443-4090.
This event is part of the Season of Giving in Carson City. Want to learn more about how you can give back this holiday season to your community? Visit our Season of Giving main hub below!
