The Carson City School District's McKinney-Vento Students in Transition program is asking for gift card donations to help school-aged kids in need.
"Students in transition" are students who don't have stable housing, due to financial hardship or other reasons. Some of these students may live in motels, hotels, trailer parks or campgrounds. This may also include migratory children or unaccompanied youth who are not in physical custody of a parent or guardian.
Gift cards should be between $20 and $100 and can be for any local store that sells clothing, hygiene items, shoes and other essentials.Â
Some examples include Walmart, Arco Gas, Ross, Smith's, or similar stores, gas stations and fast-food restaurants.
The McKinney-Vento program says gift cards are preferred to physical items since student needs and sizes are constantly changing. The gift cards will primarily be used by the McKinney-Vento office to purchase items for the students, but occasionally some gift cards will be directly given to families in need.
Last year, the drive was able to raise over $14,000 in gift cards and monetary donations.
"Starting the school year with gift cards allows us as a school district to support students with both essential supplies and fresh outfits that help them feel confident and ready to learn," said Hannah Etchison, special projects coordinator, McKinney-Vento and Foster Care liaison for the Carson City School District. "It's important that every student begins the year with what they need—and what makes them feel good."
Gift cards can be dropped off at 618 West Musser Street in Carson City, or gift card pickup is available upon request.
