Where to donate on Giving Tuesday in Las Vegas — MAP
According to Feed America, Nevada has approximately 441,190 people who are considered "food insecure," meaning at times, they have a lack of access to enough food to have an active and healthy life.
Of the 441,190 food insecure Nevadans, 297,020 reside in Clark County, an area in which Three Square found that more than 186,000 of the students enrolled in the school district — 58 percent — qualify for free or reduced-price meal programs based on their family income.
Although some families may qualify for assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), in a region where the average cost per meal is $2.85, according to Feed America, providing food for an entire family can still be a challenge — especially around the holidays.
With Tuesday being "Giving Tuesday"— it's as good as time as ever to go through your pantry or closet and donate non-perishable food items and clothing to families in need.
Interested in donating but don't know where to go? Look towards these local organizations:
Three Square, 4190 North Pecos Road
Three Square serves Clark County and three other counties — Lincoln, Nye and Esmeralda — and says some of its most-needed food items include canned meats (tuna, chicken, ham, Spam), canned beans and soups, rice, pasta and cheese.
If you can't make it to their headquarters to drop off donations, head to their events page to find the nearest drop-off location to you.
Las Vegas Rescue Mission, 480 West Bonanza Road
LVRM serves about 1,000 meals a day to the homeless community. It is currently running its annual "Together we 'can' " food drive and suggests donations of instant potatoes, canned vegetables and soups, rice and pasta. According to their Facebook page, their most urgent items are corn, green beans, peanut butter and hot sauce.
You can also donate personal hygiene items, infant care products, over-the-counter healthcare aids, and housekeeping materials (pillows!). You may drop your donations off directly at the Mission or you can request a driver to pickup your items from your home or office.
Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, 1501 Las Vegas Blvd North
Catholic Charities covers a myriad of food programs for the Las Vegas Valley. From serving daily meals, running the Meals on Wheels home-delivery program, and operating the Hands of Hope Community Food Pantry, which provides low income and underemployed residents, donations of food go a long way with them.
Currently, their wish list includes a wide array of food including protein (canned meats, peanut butter, baked beans, unsalted nuts), fruits (canned fruit, applesauce, raisins, unsweetened dried fruit), canned vegetables and soups, as well as grains and starches (bread, graham crackers, granola bars, rice cakes).
They said hygiene products, toilet paper, and diapers are also greatly appreciated.
Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, 4981 Shirley Street
They offer homeless 12- to 18-year-olds with a safe place to go for resources they need to survive. Besides offering hair cuts, showers, clothes, bus passes and calling cards, they also have a well-stocked food pantry.
Donations of new or gently-used clothing, hygiene supplies, and food (frozen, snack or non-perishable) are always accepted. You can drop off your donations directly or they will arrange to pick up your items, if need be.
Safe Nest, 4208 Arcata Way, Suite C
Safe Nest offers shelter, food, clothing, counseling and education to women escaping domestic violence — among other — situations. To help these women and child make the transition out of their environments and into a safe place, donations of gently used clothing or small household items are appreciated.
To assist with donations, they have provided a wish list that states what items are most needed each month. For the month of December, they are searching for non-breakable holiday decorations, stocking stuffers for women and children, and holiday-themed DVDs and CDs. Beyond the main location, they have purple bins scattered around town to drop items off near your home.
Noah's Animal House, 1 West Owens Street
Noah's Animal House provides pets belonging to homeless women or those that are fleeing domestic violence situations with a safe place to stay while their "fur" mom is able to get on their feet again. They are always accepting donations of dog collars, harnesses and leashes, dog sweaters, pet food bins, soft dog treats, cat litter and toys for cats and dogs.
If you know of a local charity you would like to be included in this, contact Caitlin Lilly at clilly@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @caitiesmith
