Carson City, NV December 13, 2023
Through the generosity of Nevadans, children in foster care in the state’s rural areas will have a brighter holiday.
This year rural Nevada businesses, agencies, and community partners granted holiday wishes for 370 children in rural foster care through the annual Angel Tree Toy and Gift Drive.
“We’re grateful for the help of our rural communities for making the Angel Tree Toy and Gift drive a success,” said Shelby Riley, LSW, rural foster care recruiter for the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). “It means so much to these youth to have something special during the holiday season, and we couldn’t do it without community support.”
Donors receive ornaments that list each child's age, gender, and desired gifts and wishes are fulfilled by community and agency partners.
All gifts are collected by DCFS to be wrapped and distributed to families. This year, through the generosity of communities, 83 children in Carson City, 75 in Elko, Ely and Winnemucca, 87 in Fernley and Fallon, and 125 in Pahrump will receive gifts.
On behalf of foster families and children in foster care throughout rural Nevada, the Division of Child and Family Services thanks:
Carson City Angel Tree participating businesses and agencies:
• Madole Construction
• Dr. Merritt Dunlap
• Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services
• KBCA, LLC
• Seeliger Elementary School
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Kaia FIT
• Division of Health Care Financing and Policy
• Common Ground Church
• The Mod Life
• Specialty Courts Program, Second Judicial District Court
• Morgan Stanley
• A Finer Image Salon
• Gold Dust West
• Riverside Veterinary Hospital
• TMCC Dental Program
Elko County Angel Tree participating businesses and agencies:
• Northern Nevada Moses Project
Esmeralda and Nye counties participating businesses and agencies:
• ACORNS (Advocates for Children of Rural Nevada)
• Valley Electric Association
Humboldt County participating businesses and agencies:
• Dr. Keener Family Dental
• Java Town
• Big R
• Becky and Libby
• Agri Lines
• Cyanco
• Bengoa Eye Care
• Yellow Daisy Nail Salon
• Winger's
• American Pacific Mortgage
• Mad Hatter Quilt Shop
• Betschart Technology Resources
• Girl 2 Tattoo U
• Carry-On Trailer
• RE/MAX Great Basin Realty
• Nevada State Bank - Angel Tree
• CB Browns - Angel Tree
• Diola Spa
The Angel Tree Toy and Gift Drive is just one of several signature events DCFS hosts for children in rural Nevada foster care. Additional events include Sweets with Santa and the Be a Hero 5K and Family Resource Fair.
DCFS Rural Child Welfare serves Nevada’s 15 rural counties: Carson, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey and White Pine.