Charitable giving dropped in the U.S. in 2022—and it dropped again this year. But local aid groups are still trying to help people meet their basic needs, and many of them have specific requests that won’t break your bank.
There are hundreds of ways to help the people in our community this holiday season. Here are three to start.
UNR’s Pack Provisions food pantry is seeking cash donations
At the University of Nevada, Reno’s Pack Provisions food pantry, an average of 350 students per week pick up fresh produce, non-perishable food items and hygiene products.
Through the end of the year, UNR and Pack Provisions aim to raise $25,000 to help keep distributing necessities to students who need them.
How to help: Make a donation on the Pack Provisions webpage.
Reno Family Eye Care is seeking used eyeglasses
Reno Family Eye Care is hosting a glasses donation drive for the Lions Club, which will organize the glasses based on prescription and distribute them on mission trips providing eye care in underserved countries. As a thank you, this West Reno optometry office will give you a glasses care kit when you donate.
How to help: Drop off used eyeglasses at Reno Family Eye Care, 6360 Mae Anne Ave., Suite 1, through Dec. 31.
Catholic Charities, Reno Bike Project are seeking used bikes for kids
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (CCNN) and the Reno Bike Project are teaming up to collect bikes of all sizes, shapes and colors for children of all ages for Christmas. All bikes donated through Catholic Charities before Dec. 25 will be donated to the Reno Bike Project for refurbishment and distribution.
Families in need of a bike can contact Reno Bike Project programs manager Andy Perkins at 775-323-4488.
How to help: Drop off bikes at St. Vincent’s Thrift Stores or a Neighborhood Donation Center