Relief Society

Just Serve – Service Opportunities

Gift Baskets for Foster Parent Appreciation Day April 27th

We delivered some blankets from our stake to the Washoe County Foster Care program last month. The staff was very appreciative. We learned about their Foster Parent Appreciation Day to be held Saturday April 27th and volunteered to donate some gift baskets for their event. This would be a great activity for several families to do together, a Sunday school class, a youth class, or with a friend or neighbor to defray the cost. Below is a list of ideas for the gift baskets from the Foster Care staff:

  • Food basket - can fill with pasta and sauces or types of food the family can cook together.
  • Date night basket - whatever you think would be fun for a couple needing a night out! (Possibly a gift card to eat out)
  • Family movie night basket - could be for an at home movie night or snacks and gift cards for going to the movies
  • Family game night basket - could be snacks, puzzles and board games
  • Crafting basket - this could be for all ages. Our little kids and our teens love making and creating.
  • Spa basket - could be a gift card for a manicure or pedicure or a home spa kit with stuff for manicures or pedicures or bath type stuff or at home facials.

Gift baskets need to be delivered to Janice Rock (775-848-4282) or Shawn Chamberlain (775-742-6581) by Thursday April 25th so they can be delivered Friday April 26th.

Seeking Mentors for TMCC Nevada Promise Mentorship Program

The Nevada Promise Scholarship is awarded to a select group of high school students who are pretty much first generation college students.  Mentors make a difference in helping the student succeed in college.  As a mentor you meet once per semester starting in the spring semester of the student’s high school senior year.  Otherwise, you reach out on a monthly basis by phone, email, or text.

If interested or to learn more details, go to  nvpromise@tmcc.edu  or call 775-673-8236.  You can also check on justserve.org for details posted.

Veterans Guest House - Reno

Veterans Guest House provides active service members, veterans and their families temporary overnight accommodations while receiving medical treatment in the Reno area.  Their most pressing donation needs are ice scrapers for car windows, Lysol spray, Clorox wipes, Nutri-grain bars, and liquid laundry soap. Volunteers are needed to bring meals (could be a class or group project)

For further details, email kathy@veteransguesthouse.org or check their website at  veteransguesthouse.org  or call 775 324-6958

Veterans GuestHouse is located at 880 Locust Street 

JustServe Spotlight February 2024

Youth Art Month Family Festival

The Youth Art Month Family Festival sponsored by Arts for All Nevada is right around the corner on Saturday March 9th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Lake Mansion downtown. Our Festival has need of volunteers for the following areas:

  • Greeters: Welcome visitors at the facilities entrances, give out facility maps to visitors along with bags for children to hold their art projects.
  • Teaching Artist Assistant:The children will create 8 mini at projects at different stations. Help our teaching artists with their projects and take over for the art station for 15-20 minutes so that the artists can get a lunch break.
  • Book Table: maintain supply of children’s books for free book-giveaway.
  • Assist Staff with Store Sales Volunteers will arrive at 9:30 am to help with set up and stay until 2:30 pm to clean and clear out the facility. If interested, contact Fen Kacin at 775-826-6100 Arts for All Nevada. The Art Festival is a really fun activity for families and for volunteers!! Check it out!!

Blankets Needed for Foster Children in our Area

Blankets can be any size and out of any appropriate fabric, knit, crochet, fleece (hand or machine made). Check out the website http://www.myveryownblanket.org for details and to answer questions. For finished blankets, contact Marilyn Johnson, Jan Miller, or
Mary Elizabeth Hardy.

JustServe Spotlight November 2023

Project Sweet Dreams: Collecting pajamas to donate to organizations that serve children in need in Northern Nevada. The mission of this one family non-profit is to provide pajamas that will bring some comfort during difficult times, a good night’s sleep filled with sweet dreams! New pajamas of all sizes (newborn through adult) are appreciated! They are expecting over 1,000 requests this holiday season. Please drop off at Jan Miller’s home, 4060 Falling Water Dr. (775 250-7551) or Mary Elizabeth Hardy’s home, 2345 Eagle Bend Trail or call for pickup (775 2337535).

JustServe Spotlight October 2023

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that give guidance and promise to youth in our community. They offer two community programs.

Community Based Mentoring Program

Adult mentors (“Bigs”) 21 and older are needed to form caring relationships to local youth facing adversity (“Littles.”) The volunteer adult meets with the youth 2-3 times a month. Pick up your Little at their home and take them to do something fun like a hike, eating pizza, taking a walk, or other low-cost or free activities close to your home and the home of the youth. You can make a big difference in the life of one youth step by step. Bill Horn from the Skyline Ward has been a mentor in this program for over 15 years and is glad to answer any questions. He is having a wonderful experience. His contact number is 775-742-4210. Text or call is ok.

Lunch Buddies

Adult mentors (Bigs) are needed to form caring relationships and provide guidance to local elementary-aged youth (Littles). Our program is for Bigs 18 years and older, and fits easily into a busy schedule (just 3 lunch breaks per month during the school year). Meet at your Little’s school and build a friendship by playing games, helping with homework, reading, shooting hoops, and getting to know one another. The staff will work with you to find the best location near you. You have the power to change the life of a child for the better, forever. You can check out these programs on JustServe.org or email Ma’Kayla Porter, Volunteer specialist, at mporter@bbbsnn.org to sign up.

The SPCA of Northern Nevada Shelter

The SPCA Thrift Store at 75 E. Moana Lane supports homeless pets from donations (lightly used or new items). Donations needed include: pet supplies, clothing, shoes, accessories, kitchen items, furniture, tools, and more. Check out your closets and you may find something to donate!

JustServe Spotlight August/September 2023

9/11 National Day for Service scheduled for September 9th

Incredible service opportunity Sisters!!  The Stake Relief Society is partnering with eight amazing community foundations for the 9/11 National Day for Service scheduled for September 9th.  Please sign up for the organization where you would like to serve.  Full descriptions of each foundation and volunteer tasks will be available once you open the QR code or URL address.  Please contact your RS president should you need help.  

JustServe Spotlight May/June 2023

Urban Roots Reno Urban Teaching Farm

Urban Roots is a Reno based non-profit that strives to change the way kids and entire communities eat and learn through garden-based education. Urban Roots has programs for everyone, every ability, and every garden-related interest. From building school gardens to nutrition workshops, Urban Roots is working to connect our community to the food they eat.

Volunteers are welcome at the Farm at 1700 East Second Street every second Saturday of the month from 9-11 am in May and then 8:30-10:30 starting in June. Volunteers can fill out the waiver at the farm or on their website at urgc.org.

Volunteers also needed May 10th and May17th from 2:15-4pm at Smithridge Elementary for cleaning, planting, and weeding their school garden. For a long-term volunteering option, check our their website. The next long-term volunteer training is June 3rd from 8:30 to 10:30am.

For questions about UrbanRoots, volunteering, or other details call 775 636-5105 or email kendall@urgc.org

 

Reno Earth Day Volunteer Opportunities

Join us at Idlewild Park for our annual Reno Earth day on April 22nd, 2023 between 11 am and 5 pm. 

  • Opportunities include:
  • Zero Waste Crew (40 shifts available)
  • Raffle Tickets (8 shifts available)
  • Road Closure Attendants (22 shifts available) urgent need
  • Check In Assistants (3 shifts available)
  • Greeters (30 shifts available)

Volunteer shifts are broken into 3 hours or less. Please sign up for as many shifts as you are comfortable taking and no more. All volunteers will receive a commemorative Reno Earth Day 2023 T-shirt and a $10 lunch gift card redeemable at any of our 10 food and drink vendors.

JustServe Spotlight March 2023

MULCH MADNESS Sponsored by Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful

Join KTMB for Mulch Madness at Teglia’s Paradise Park located at 2745 Elementary Dr. Reno, 89512

March 25, 2023 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Volunteers will be assisting with trash pickup and mulch spreading.

Tools and snacks will be provided, but make sure not to forget a reusable water bottle, close-toed shoes, and to dress for the weather! The event is family friendly and open to participants of all ages. Minors 17 and under must receive permission & children under 12 accompanies by a guardian.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER AT www.ktmb.org

If you have any questions, you can contact Marina at KTMB at 775 851-5185

This is a great individual, family or group activity!!

Just Serve Spotlight February 2023

ARTS FOR ALL NEVADA VOLUNTEERS

Arts for All Nevada at Lake Mansion is hosting the
Youth Art Month Festival on Saturday, March 11th from 10 - 2 pm. Volunteers are needed to assist with all the creative activities. It is a really fun activity for families with children of all ages. Teenagers can also volunteer to help with the art and book activities. Volunteer or just come to this free community event!! Contact Kris or Jackie at 775-826-6100 x 2 to volunteer or for more details.

SPREAD THE WORD NEVADA VOLUNTEERS

Spread the Word Nevada is dedicated to advancing childhood literacy in low-income communities by providing every child at their partner schools with a book to help build the child’s in-home library and encourage book ownership. The students can choose their own book. They work with families as well to encourage reading at home.

Volunteers are needed to beautify and prep books for children that are distributed every month to under deserved schools. This is a perfect activity for groups and individuals and times are flexible. Spread the Word NV is also looking for book donations and consistent volunteers to help with book deliveries to partner schools on Mondays and Wednesdays. For more details or to sign up contact Courtney at 775-507-7007.

JustServe Spotlight January 2023

Volunteers Needed at St. Francis Food Pantry of Reno

St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry is a local Reno food pantry started by Cindy Becher and her husband to lighten the burden for families struggling to obtain the most basic necessities by providing fresh produce and healthy food. 30% of Reno/Sparks residents do not know when and how they can receive their next meal.

Volunteers are desperately needed to help at their facility at 160 Hubbard Way just off Virginia St. and the Peppermill.  

Volunteers are needed to:

  1. Unload items from the truck deliveries and/or restock the shelves in the morning between 9:30-12:30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays .
  2. Food Distribution every Mon., Tues., and Thurs. between 12:30-3:00 pm .
  3. Food Distribution for Seniors on Thursday mornings ‘Golden Groceries’ between 11 am and 12 noon .
  4. Food Distribution on every third Wednesday between 5 and 7 pm .
  5. Occasionally pick up food from Donations Sites.

Please contact Cindy at 775-507-4555 and let her know when you are available.  Times are flexible and whatever time you can give would be appreciated.  Thank you!!

JustServe Spotlight October/November 2022

BLANKETS NEEDED IN OUR AREA Two community organizations have contacted us with need for blankets of all sizes - new or slightly used.

Project 150

Project 150 provides basic needs to homeless, displaced and disadvantaged high school students, allowing them to focus on education and graduate from high school. They have a high demand right now with the cold weather approaching. Blankets can be dropped off at 1340 Foster Drive. (located across from Reno H.S. behind Bridge Church) Contact Liz at 775 203-4755 for details.

NNIC - Blankets for Refugees

Blankets for our area refugees connected to NNIC are also in high demand. The blankets can be brought to the NNIC at 855 W. 7th St. (just east of Keystone) on the second floor. Contact Amanda at 775 250-2135 for questions.

Contact Marilyn Johnson (775 544-0885) to deliver blankets to her house at 8320 Cinnamon Ridge Lane.

Reno Nevada Stake 9/11 National Day of Service

The Reno Nevada Stake is partnering with Catholic Charities in honor of the “9/11 National Day of Service” with two shifts of service. 

1) Saturday, September 10th, from 10:00 am-1:00 pm.

Prepare a special meal for the disadvantaged population in our area. As part of this event we are in need of 20 volunteers to serve meals on Meals will be served at the St. Vincent’s Dining Room located at 325 Valley Road. All volunteers must be 16 years or older and fully vaccinated. 

Hygiene bags are also being assembled to assist those in need. Donations are needed to assemble these hygiene bags. Please feel free to donate as you are able.

Please use the link above to volunteer your time to serve as well as donate items.

Each Ward Relief Society will be gathering donations until Sunday, September 4th. Drop offs can also be given to Cheryl Woodman or Marilyn Johnson

2) Saturday, September 10th, from 11:45 pm – 2:00 pm

Teenagers and children 9 and up (vaccinated) can help prepare food pantry bags and pet bags.  (15 people needed)

Those 16 and older can help with the outdoor farmer’s market. (10 people needed)

Great Race - Outdoor Puzzle Adventure at Sky Tavern

SkyTavern along with Forever14 and Project Discovery are hosting a fun
family day on Saturday September 10th from 8:30-3:30 pm to help prevent
teen suicide. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Washoe County
students ages 12-19 years. You need a team of 4-6 people (great for
families and friends who want to make a difference) for the fun,
educational activities on the gentle course. Go to http://www.forever14.org to
learn more and to register for this event. Look for GreatRace. Event
proceeds will benefit projects planned to help prevent teen suicide. Tickets
go on sale July 1st on the forever14 website http://www.forever14.org. This is a
great way to honor 9/11 National Day of Service.

Dress for Success Donations

Dress for Success, a local organization that helps women gain confidence
as they enter the workplace, is in need of professional clothing. Please
take suits, blouses, jackets, blazers, shirts, dresses, skirts as well as
appropriate shoes, jewelry, scarves, and handbags to their shop in
downtown Reno. Summer is a great time to inventory your closets!
You can bring donations to Dress for Success at 2295 So. Virginia Street
Suite 10 on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday between 10 and 5 pm. If you have
questions contact Patti at reno@dressforsuccess.org. Text when you are
nearby at 775 846-9814 for details on dropping off items. You can also
drop off any donations to Jan Miller in Edgewater (775-250-7551) or
Mary Elizabeth Hardy in Somersett (775-233-7535).

Volunteer at the ICan Bike Camp  

The Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities is looking for dedicated and fun  volunteers for the 2022 ICan Bike Camp June 13th - June 17th. Help kids and adults  learn how to ride a bike by volunteering for 90 minutes per day for 5 days. The  program teaches individuals with disabilities how to ride conventional two-wheel bikes  and become lifelong independent riders. ICan Bike uses adapted bicycles, a  specialized instructional program, one-on-one volunteers and trained staff to teach  individuals how to ride. 

Volunteer Requirements: 15 years or older, Able to attend the same 90 minutes  session each of the 5 days of camp; Be in good physical condition: Must be able to run  beside riders for most of their session and strong enough to support the bike and rider  in the event of a fall. 

To Volunteer, please register at https://icanshine.org/ican-bike-reno-nv/ For more information contact Diana Rovetti at (775) 233-9547) Or  

Email: rovetti@unr.edu 

 Volunteer at Spread the Word Nevada  

The goal of Spread The Word Nevada is to promote literacy and to make it possible for  all of Nevada’s children to experience the magic of reading. Your support allows us to  serve at-risk children and change lives, one book at a time.  

You can volunteer to come to the Washoe Co. office at 290 Gentry Way, Suite 6 and  clean gently used children’s books. This is a great activity for families, individuals,  friends and groups. School age children are invited to join the fun! You can also donate  books. 

Contact Hayley at 775-507-7007 or email her at hayley@spreadthewordnevada.org



We feel honored to spotlight the new Cancer Community Clubhouse (CCC), a local organization founded a little over a year ago by two Stevenson sisters, Natalie Zacharczyk and Michelle Taylor. They are two of the 10 children in the Chris Stevenson family who grew up in the Reno North Stake. Natalie is a metastatic breast cancer survivor and Michelle a family member of several cancer survivors. They are both committed to helping cancer survivors and their loved ones find a renewed sense of happiness and create a space for connection so others do not have to go through the journey alone.

The Cancer Community Clubhouse (CCC) provides free community based services including classes and workshops on yoga, meditation, long-term financial planning, journaling and art.

The CCC is seeking RAFFLE BASKET DONATIONS for their annual National Cancer Survivor’s Day celebration June 5, 2022. The CCC would greatly appreciate items for the raffle baskets. Suggestions include gift cards, wellness services (eg. haircuts), beauty products, gardening stuff, and any other non-perishable products.

All donations for the Raffle will be used to continue programs and workshops, expand program offerings (especially to rural areas), and to acquire a permanent clubhouse space. (More details on JustServe.org and cancercommunityclubhouse.org)

Please bring any donations to Jan Miller by May 31st. Jan’s address is 4060 Falling Water (off Mayberry Dr.) Text her at 775-250-7551 before you come. Thank you!

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!!

JustServe March 2022 Spotlight

Let’s celebrate the 180th anniversary of Relief

Society the month of March 2022 by serving in our local communities!

This invitation was issued byThe Relief Society General Presidency. They have specifically invited us to celebrate Relief Society this month by:

  1. 1)  Creating a free account on JustServe.org

  2. 2)  Inviting a friend to register on JustServe.org

3) During the next 30 days find something you can do on JustServe.org

Finally, use the hashtag #JustServe on social media to share your story.

“We can be a powerful force for change in the world.”

Sharon Eubank, First Counselor General RS Presidency President, Latter Day Saint Charity

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 September 2021

Great Need and Opportunity for YOU to Serve This Month

There is an urgent need to assist our neighbors who have been displaced by the Caldor fire. Volunteers are needed for 4 hour shifts at the Convention Center and other local shelters. Go to the renonvstakeinfo.org for details and to sign up.

Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful is hosting a fall Truckee River Cleanup on Saturday September 25th from 9am - 12 noon. Projects range from weed removal and plantings to cleanup of illegal dumpsites and stenciling storm drains with educational messaging about our watershed. Go to this link to sign up for the event:

JustServe is participating in the 911 National Day of Service in remembrance of and tribute for the 20th anniversary of 9/11. We invite you to look on the website 911day.org or the website justserve.org and you will find projects listed in conjunction with the 9/11 National Day of Service. The projects may take place leading up to, or after, or specifically on 9/11.

For questions, text or call Marilyn Johnson, JS Coordinator, 775-544-0885 or Cheryl Woodman, RS President, 775-848-1200.

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.

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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