Beaumont Ward

JS SPOTLIGHT
APRIL 2022

Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation
Earth Day Planting Event

What: Planting Native Species to Rehabilitate a Wetland for Nature Study
Where: Rosewood Nature Study Area
6800 Pembroke Dr. (formerly the Rosewood Golf Course)
When: Saturday April 23, 2022
9:00 am to 12 noon

We are excited for the opportunity to join our community for the
Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation Spring Plantapalooza event. You
will be helping to plant over 700 plants for the Rosewood Nature Study
Area, which will be a Great Basin wetland habitat with trails and
interactive learning.

You can sign up on their website: www.tmparksfoundation.org
Click on the volunteer link and then the Register for Spring
Plantapalooza box and fill out the very simple registration form. You
need to fill out the volunteer form before arriving on April 23rd.
This is a really fun activity for individuals, families, and friends to help
plant at this new Rosewood Nature area for all of us in the Truckee
Meadows to enjoy. Come and participate and celebrate Earth Day!!

Just Serve Spotlight - Jan./Feb. 2022

NNIC Refugee Resettlement Update and Current Needs

 Thank you for your generous support of the refugees arriving in Reno and Sparks this fall. There were over 160 Afghan refugees plus those from other countries bringing the total to almost 200 refugees arriving from October through December.  Your donations for furniture and kitchen items, your help with setting up the apartments, food to those in hotels, and transportation were greatly appreciated.  The biggest need right now is daytime drivers to  take clients to appointments.  Please contact via text Amanda Mundt  at 775-250-2135 for details.  This is not a weekly commitment & times are flexible.  You will be added to a Whats App thread and then you can sign up for an appointment when it is convenient for you.

Project 150 Needs Volunteers

Project 150 is a local group that helps teenagers that are disadvantaged, homeless, or in other circumstances to help them with clothing and other items needed for school.  Liz has a wonderful boutique across from Reno H.S.(1340 Foster Dr.) where the students can shop for items they need.  Volunteers are needed to help sort, fold, and display the items.  Hours are flexible.  Learn more by coming to a tour on Tuesday afternoons between 2 and 5 pm.  Contact Liz at 775 203-4755 for a tour or just come.

Valentine Ideas for Assisted Living or Others

January is a good time to start thinking about giving Valentines in February to those in assisted living places, hospitals, long term care facilities, or someone you might know in your neighborhood who would appreciate being remembered. Making cards and also writing a note about yourself is something you can do - individually, in your family or in a class.

Just Serve Spotlight December 2021

Christmas Service Ideas

The Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra
The Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra (WACCS) is a local organization that provides services to support women as they work to move out of poverty and improve their lives. They greatly appreciated your recent blanket and mitten donations. For Christmas the WACCS is in need of winter clothing - new or lightly used for children, men, or women of all sizes. Your donations of new clothing (all donations unwrapped) are needed by December 10th for gift wrapping and distribution. Your donations can be dropped off at the Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra - 3905 Neil Rd. #2. (Phone 775 825-7395)

NNIC Refugee Resettlement Program - Volunteer Needs/Donations

Thank you to those of you who have volunteered and/or donated to the unprecedented number of newly arriving refugees mostly from Afghanistan. The current needs include transporting the refugees to appointments and taking food to families. There are a few people in hotels with no kitchen so they need food delivered daily. If anyone knows how to cook Afghan food or would be willing to purchase from a restaurant and deliver, text Amanda (775 250-2135) directly. That is an urgent need for each arrival. Text Amanda for other volunteering. The families are in need of bedding - twin or queen size sheets, pillow cases, blankets. These items can be delivered to the NNIC at 855 W. 7th St. or text/call Marilyn (775 544-0885).

Just Serve Spotlight November 2021

New or Gently Used Pajamas for Foster Children for Christmas

The mission of Project Sweet Dreams Reno is for all children to have pajamas so they can have a good night’s sleep filled with sweet dreams. The new pajamas help children feel safe and warm and provide them some comfort during difficult times. Donations (all kid sizes) can be delivered to Mary Elizabeth Hardy (775-233-7535) in Somersett or Jan Miller (775-250-7551) off of Mayberry Drive. For more details check out their website at projectsweetdreamsnv.com

Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra Needs Blankets

The Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra provides education, job training, resources and support to help women escape or avoid poverty and provide a better life for their families. They are desperate for warm blankets, mittens, and gloves all sizes. The Center location is 3905 Neill Road. Go to www.waccs.org or justserve.org for more info and for delivering items to Pam Russell (775-825-7395).

NNIC Help for the Refugees Arriving in Reno

Your donations for the new refugees arriving from Afghanistan have been greatly appreciated. If you signed up to donate online and haven’t heard from NNIC it is because the family is scheduled to arrive in the future but has not yet arrived in Reno. They will contact you when the items are needed. If you are interested in volunteering to help the refugees or donating items, text Amanda, volunteer coordinator (775-250-2135) or go to justserve.org for details.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Just Serve Spotlight October 2021

Volunteers and Donations Needed for Incoming Refugees

The Northern Nevada International Center is a State Department Refugee Resettlement Agency for the Reno area. The NNIC is expecting an increasing number of refugees to come to our area and especially from Afghanistan. NNIC wants to welcome and be prepared for their arrival this month and in the months to come. There are a variety of ways that you can help if you would like.

1. You can sign up for items needed on the donation signup sheet. They are listed by families. Some have dates when items are needed. Hold on to your items until you receive an email. Assistance with transportation for large items is available.
Click on this link for the spreadsheet to sign up for items needed.
Donation Sign Up Sheet

2. NNIC has a new volunteer coordinator, Amanda Mundt who will match you with your volunteer preferences. Contact Leah Macart, her assistant, at lmacart@nnic.org, Clients need drivers to take the new arrivals to medical, dental, legal, tax appointments, etc. Other services are also needed such as getting their house ready, teaching banking skills, going to the grocery store, etc.

3. Tutor the refugee children or teach English to the adults. Excellent materials available for you to use. Can teach on zoom and/or in person. Contact Marilyn Johnson at marilynandwalt@gmail.com or call 775 544-0885.

Project 150 Needs Athletic Socks

Project 150 needs Athletic Socks - Male athletic black short or long socks preferred. Female athletic or casual socks. This month is SOCKTOBER! Donations can be delivered to Mary Elizabeth Hardy (775-233-7535) or Jan Miller (775-250-7551) or directly to the Boutique for teens at 1340 Foster Drive across

Just Serve Spotlight August 2021

Summer Service Ideas

St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry 160 Hubbard Way, Suite F
St. Francis serves the residents in their area who just aren’t making ends meet. The Bishops Storehouse donates canned food and produce. The missionaries help at the pantry once a week. St. Francis has started the “Senior Golden Groceries Hour” on Thursdays 11 to 12 noon.
St. Francis needs more VOLUNTEERS right now. St. Francis has lost volunteers due to age and covid. You can volunteer by:
1) Helping bag the food items for the seniors on Wednesdays from 12:30-3:00 pm.
2) Assisting the seniors as they receive their bagged items and add additional items as needed on Thursdays from 9:30 am to 12 noon.
3) Helping unload food delivery trucks on Monday mornings between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Deliveries begin at 8:30 am.
There is no definite time period required to help. Come when you can during the times listed above. Your help will be appreciated! Contact Cindy Becher, director, with questions at 775 507-4755 or just arrive!

http://saintfrancisfoodpantryreno.org/index.html

DONATIONS:
The following items are needed in Dollar Store not Costco size: Soaps of all kind - bar or liquid soap, dish soap or laundry soap, shampoo and conditioner. Bring to Marilyn ( text 775 544-0885) or take items to the pantry 160 Hubbard Way ( at the back of the area).

Just Serve Spotlight July 2021

Summer Service Ideas

Project 150 Needs School Supplies

As you start to think about school supplies for your child, Project 150 would like the following items for the homeless and disadvantaged teenagers they serve in our high schools. Items they need include: Zipper binders, folders, notebooks, binder paper, pens, three ring binders, index cards, and thumb drives.

Items can be taken to 1340 Foster Dr. (across from Reno H.S.) Call Liz for lock combination at 775 203-4755 or contact Marilyn Johnson (Stake JS Coordinator) at 775 544-0885 to pick up your items.

Volunteer Needs at Kindred Hospice Reno

1) Volunteer to visit with a patient - share a story, read to the patient, run an errand, make gifts for a patient or just sit and provide company.

2) Assist with administrative tasks-no minimum time.

3) Veteran volunteers to visit with other veteran patients.

Note: Times are flexible and no definite time commitment is necessary. Kindred Hospice - For details and contact info go to justserve.org

Just Serve June 2021 Spotlight

Help Someone Learn to Ride a Bike

Reno has a bike program to help people with disabilities learn to ride a 2-wheel bicycle independently. This year’s event will be held June 14th - June 18th. No prior experience working with people with disabilities is necessary. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old.

To volunteer, go to the http://icanshine.org/ican-bike-reno.nv and register for the event. For questions about the bike camp, you can contact Diana Rovetti at 775-233-9547 or email her at rovetti@unr.edu

Donate Shoes to Project 150

Project 150 is a local organization that provides basic needs and support to homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged high school students in northern Nevada. This month they are especially in need of shoes. They can be used or new and any variety - sandals, flats, sport shoes, dress shoes, running shoes, etc. Please deliver to their boutique across from Reno High School at 1270 Foster Drive. Call Liz at 775 203-4755 for lock combination before delivering donations. Other items welcome.

Questions call Cheryl Woodman at 848-1200 or Marilyn Johnson at 544-088.

May 2021 Just Serve Spotlight

​​​Honor Our Ancestors and Preserve Headstones at ​​​Mountain View Cemetery.  There are two ways that you can digitally preserve headstones so families all over the world ​can find their ancestors.

​​​#1  Take photos of gravestones by downloading the BillionGraves app and the info will be recorded.

​​​#2  Help with gravestone transcriptions from your home. You may transcribe the original or verify previously recorded transcripts.

​​​Go to www.justserve.org and look for the post Honor Our Ancestors and Preserve Headstones.  There will be a photo of Mountain View Cemetery.  You will find details and answers to your questions.

JS April Spotlight - Earth Day

We had such a lovely response from Stone Valley Assisted Living in February from cards received from a member of our stake that we would like to encourage you in March to write notes, cards, letters, or Easter cards to one of the following locations or a place of your choice. A fun activity during spring break!!

*** Sky Peaks - 1520 Sky Valley Drive Phone 775 204-4928 Contact - Hailey
*** Stone Valley Assisted Living - 6155 Stone Valley Dr. Phone 775 451-2528 Contact - Lisa Rains
*** Manor Care - 3101 Plumas St. Phone 775 829-7220 Contact - Bonnie


You can mail your cards or bring them to the reception desk with the name of the contact person listed above. Call before going and they will likely meet you in your car. The receptionist will deliver appropriately. If you would like, we can pick up and deliver for you. Contact Cheryl Woodman (848-1200) or Marilyn Johnson (544-0885).

Project 150 (boutique for teenage homeless or disadvantaged) is requesting for March four items: toothpaste, bodywash, lotion and conditioner. Donations can be taken to 1340 Foster Drive (across from Reno H.S.). Check with Liz (775-203-4755) for lock combination.

JustServe Spotlight for February 2021

February is a great month to bring cheer to someone in an assisted or independent living or nursing home. You may have signed up last month to be a penpal. The sponsoring staff is overwhelmed and understaffed. It was suggested that we go directly to group homes in our area. I have talked to the volunteer coordinators at the following places and they would be thrilled to receive any notes, letters, valentine cards, or wrapped soft chocolates! You may have a contact at a place of your choice.

Sky Peaks - 1520 Sky Valley Drive Phone 775 204-4928 Contact - Hailey
Stone Valley Assisted Living - 6155 Stone Valley Dr. Phone 775 451-2528 Contact - Lisa Rains
Manor Care - 3101 Plumas St. Phone 775 829-7220 Contact - Bonnie


You can mail your cards or bring them to the reception desk with the name of the contact person. Call before going and they will likely meet you in your car. The receptionist will deliver appropriately. This is a great family or individual activity!

Thanks for your help with the plastic mats for the homeless. This is ongoing!!

Project 150 has for their February Wish List a request for new bedding - new pillows, new twin sheets and new twin comforters and also sleeping bags for the displaced, disadvantaged, or homeless teenagers.
Donations can be taken to 1340 Foster Drive. Check with Liz (775-203-4755) for lock combination.

You are also welcome to call me with questions:
Marilyn Johnson, JustServe Specialist 775-544-0885
"We rise by lifting others." Robert Ingersoll

November Just Serve Spotlight

If you are looking for an opportunity to serve the community, we are again focusing on the St Francis Food Pantry. The missionaries and others in our stake have already volunteered to help stock and restock the shelves and have been greatly appreciated.

When we asked Cindy, the Director, and Founder of the food pantry, what their current needs are, she told us that they would really like donations of Small Frozen Turkeys or Small Frozen Whole Chickens to give to families for Thanksgiving.

Secondly, the food pantry is also in need of Sweaters and Coats for Adults - sizes Med/Lg/XLg and Gloves sizes Med/Lg/XLg. These can be gently used items.

Any of the above donations can be delivered to the St. Francis Food Pantry located at 160 Hubbard Way, Suite F (near the Peppermill) on weekdays Monday - Thursday 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. You can text or call Cindy at 775 507-4555. You can also bring any donations to Cheryl Woodman (775 848-1200) or Marilyn Johnson (775 544-0885). For other service ideas, go to just.serve.org

Just Serve October Spotlight - Rancho San Rafael Park  

Our October JS Spotlight of the month is an outdoor service opportunity at Rancho San Rafael Park at their  Nevada Farms and Families area, formerly known as Great Basin Adventure park. This is an exciting time as the new Park Ranger, Celia Walker, joins Park Ranger, Bob Holland.  The two are very enthusiastic about increasing volunteer activity in the NFF to help maintain this beautiful area. 

The Parks Volunteer Coordinator, Denise Evans, noted that “the Rancho San Rafael  Regional Park and the LDS church share a long history of countless service projects  and volunteer events together.” If you as an individual or you and your family would like  to sign up to serve for one time or more frequently; or if you have an idea for a project  or would like to get a group together for a beautification project, please reach out to  Denise Evans at devans@washoecounty.us or call the San Raphael park at  775-785-4512 for more information. Denise Evans would be happy to talk on the phone  or meet with you. 

Hours and times to serve are flexible. The service projects are suitable for all ages.  The Nevada Farms and Families area is open during regular park hours with no  admission required. For more details about the NFF area or are looking for other  service opportunities go to JustServe.org. 

Just Serve At Home October Spotlight - Help Refugees Improve Their English  

The Northern Nevada International Center resettles refugees from all over the world.  The adults must begin working right away but need English skills to survive and  integrate into their new surroundings. The volunteer will present a one hour session 1 -  2x a week online. The NNIC is providing a computer in each home for distant learning.  Materials will be provided or you can use your own resources.    For further details, you can contact Marilyn Johnson by text or phone 775-544-0885 or  email her at marilynandwalt@gmail.com. You can also find details on justserve.org