Welcome to our special edition giving guide, Nevadans!

I try to clean out my closet quarterly, often letting go of things I haven’t touched in a year or that don’t fit. (Even those pieces I wishfully told myself I’d get tailored but never came around to.) Then I call Safe Nest and schedule a pick-up.

Safe Nest helps victims of domestic and sexual violence leave dangerous environments and provides safe shelter. The nonprofit also has a 24/7 crisis hotline, transitional housing, counseling, and court support and advocacy.

And while I won’t miss those pieces, I hope they provide someone with a bit of comfort and security when they need it most.

I hope this roundup helps you find a way to support your neighbors this season. Even the smallest gesture can make someone’s week a little safer, a little brighter, and bring a touch of holiday warmth. ✨

Have a great weekend, 

The landscape for local news is shifting fast. At The Nevadan, our commitment to you—and to Nevada—hasn’t changed.

Our end-of-year fundraising drive runs through Dec. 16, and your support keeps this work strong.

Your contribution helps us shine a light on the decisions, debates, and leaders shaping Nevada’s future. We can’t do this work without you.

Nevada’s giving season spans the whole state—here’s where these events and opportunities are happening. (Google Maps)

Toy drives, gift-card programs, and donation drop-offs across the Vegas Valley.

Tools for Schools

The Nevada State Contractors Board is holding its Tools for Schools Holiday Drive. Donate new or gently used tools and other construction-related materials for construction programs at local schools.

Drop-off
🗓️ Through Dec. 31, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. (except Christmas Eve)
📍 Nigro Construction, 9115 W. Russell Road, Suite 210
📍 NSCB Vegas Office, 8400 W. Sunset Road, Suite 150

The 98.5 KLUC Chet Buchanan Show Toy Drive

Now in its 27th year, this toy drive benefits HELP of Southern Nevada, which assists low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness. Donate new, unwrapped toys, bikes, or gift cards. Items go to pre-qualified families, children, and more than 100 local nonprofit partners.

Drop-off
🗓️ Through Dec. 15: Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 8 a.m.–10 a.m.
📍 NV Energy parking lot, 6226 W. Sahara Ave.

Give Joy Toy and Gift Card Drive for Foster Care

Clark County Family Services hosts this annual effort to bring holiday cheer to about 3,200 children and teens in foster care. Donate new, unwrapped toys for ages 0–12 and gift cards in $25 or $50 amounts for teens.

Drop-off
🗓️ Through Dec. 13
📍 Prologis, 3010 E. Alexander Road, Suite 1004–1005, Las Vegas

Other ways to give:
• A $50 donation provides one child with a holiday gift
• Mail donations to: Share in the JOY, 208 S. Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107

Reno- and Carson City–area holiday drives and family events.

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue Toy Drive

Residents can donate any new toy, still in its original packaging, to benefit Renown Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House, and other local charities. Plush toys cannot be accepted. Gift cards for teens are also encouraged.

Drop-off
🗓️ Through Dec. 15, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
📍 Any TMFR Fire Station
📍 Fire District Headquarters, 3663 Barron Way, Reno

Make Em Smile: 11th Annual Toy Drive at Reno Public Market

Bring a new, unwrapped toy to support Ashlee’s Toy Closet, which provides toys to children affected by natural disasters in the Reno–Sparks region. The event includes photos with Santa, holiday crafts and activities, and live music.

🗓️ Dec. 12, 6–9 p.m.
📍 Reno Public Market, 299 E. Plumb Lane, Reno

Carson City Coat Drives

The Carson City School District’s McKinney-Vento program is collecting new winter coats, sweatshirts, and jackets for students in need, from young children to teens.

Drop-off
🗓️ Through Dec. 15, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 McKinney-Vento Office, 618 W. Musser St., Carson City

Additional drive
🗓️ Through Jan. 31
📍 Carson City Library: Sertoma Coat Drive, accepting new or gently used sweaters, gloves, socks, coats, blankets, and hats

Smaller community-led giving efforts in towns across Nevada.

From Cans to Wagging Tails

Drop off bagged aluminum cans at the Elko Animal Shelter, and L.A.S.S.O. (Elko’s Local Animal Shelter Support Organization) will turn them into funding for life-saving veterinary care, food, and shelter improvements.

Drop-off
🗓️ Year-round
📍 Elko Animal Shelter, 2210 Pinion Road, Elko

Fallon Christmas Toy Drive and Clothing Exchange

Donate gently used toys for kids ages 1–18, washed clothing in good condition, or volunteer at the distribution event.

Distribution event
🗓️ Saturday, Dec. 13, 1–6 p.m.
📍 Oasis Community Church, 1520 S. Maine St., Fallon

🐶 Pictures with Santa Paws

Held in the front lobby of West Wendover High School, this event raises funds for WendRover Pet Connection. Each photo print is $5. Pet-item raffles and a bake sale will also be available.

Event details
🗓️ Monday, Dec. 15
📍 West Wendover High School, 2055 Elko Ave., West Wendover

Photo times:
• Small pets: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
• Cats: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Large pets: 7:30–8:30 p.m.

Other ways to support:
• WendRover needs blankets; mail donations to PO Box 4390, West Wendover, NV 89883

By Aleza Freeman

From women-focused nonprofits to environmental stewards, Nevada is home to nearly 15,000 nonprofits that address the population’s critical needs, providing social, educational, artistic, cultural, and health services for residents from all economic and cultural backgrounds.

These nonprofit organizations are almost always seeking volunteers to help fill gaps, reduce costs, contribute specialized skills, and expand outreach. It’s a great way to make a difference, support a cause you care about, and contribute to your community.

To find other volunteer opportunities or a nonprofit aligned with your specific interests, check out Nevada Volunteers, a statewide resource for national service and volunteerism.

Sometimes volunteering in person just isn’t possible—whether you’re short on time, can’t leave home, or life simply gets in the way. Thankfully, technology has made it easier for people to support nonprofits. And while we’re trying to shop local and avoid corporate giants like Amazon, online wishlists can still be lifelines for some organizations.

Here are a few ways you can give back this season from your phone or computer—you don’t have to leave your couch to do good.

Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation | 🎁 Wishlist
Help provide toys for local kids affected by childhood cancer. The foundation accepts new toys even if they aren’t on the wishlist.

HELP of Southern Nevada | 🎁 Wishlist
Many clients enter programming with only the clothing on their backs, and grants often don’t cover all direct-service needs. Donations are accepted in person, through online retail delivery, or by making a monetary gift.

Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada | 💜 Donation link + 🎁 Wishlist
Your generosity supports thousands of men, women, and children of all faiths across Northern Nevada and helps meet essential needs year-round.

Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | 💜 Donation link
By donating funds, sharing your skills as a pro bono attorney, or raising your voice to expand access to justice, you can help make “justice for all” a reality in Southern Nevada.

Did we miss a digital opportunity?
Send me a note and let me know. I might include your suggestion in a future web story.

Support our mission this giving season and connect with thousands of engaged Nevadans. Learn about partnership opportunities.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jannelle Calderón. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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