Special Needs Community of Northern Nevada Toy Drive

The Special Needs Community of Northern Nevada (SNCNN) is gearing up for their annual toy drive on December 11th.

There are drop-off donation bins at various locations throughout Reno and Sparks to support families this holiday season.

The toy drive for the SNCNN is a way for the community to come together and help make the holidays brighter for families.

Ria Fraley, the President and Founder of the SNCNN started the non-profit after her own son was diagnosed.

Fraley tells us "I thought to myself if we could come together and support each other maybe we can dig out way out of this hole."

Her community grew into a big family, made up of others going through similar circumstances. Some of those members are the same businesses helping with the toy drive.

Kristine Maioli, the Owner of Sinbad's Hotdogs says "I have a cousin with special needs, and when they first they were so welcoming and amazing."

Robert Kovacs, the Owner of SMOG Monkey mentions "It's pretty close to our hearts, we have some family members that are special needs, and anything that we can do to help we do."

Maioli adds "My cousin lights up when she's with these people because nothing's different and they treat her like nothing's different."

Around town they have 19 locations to donate at.

Fraley says they handed out hundreds of donated toys to about 166 families last year, and they hope to double those numbers this year.

Maioli tells us "This toy drive is super amazing, and really important for them to collect as many toys as they can to give to as many kids as they can."

And the event is not just centered around a toy drive, you can also anonymously sponsor a special needs family to give them a better holiday season this year. Some of the businesses helping with the toy drive also sponsor Angel Tree Families.

Pam Kovacs, the Co-Owner of SMOG Monkey says "You know, doing the toy drive here and the Angel Tree is something that's really important to us, and it's near and dear to our hearts so that's what we do every year."

Fraley adds "Without them, these particular families might not have a holiday celebration, so it really does mean a lot."

Fraley says she wanted more family support, so she made her own through the special needs community. Now a large amount of families are being reached, and they intend to keep spreading the joy and support during the holidays.

Fraley mentions "If you're a family out there and you have a lack of special need support within your family, please get a hold of us, that's what we're here for that's what we aim to do."

Maioli adds "Please, come have a hotdog and bring a toy."

If you would like to help out or sponsor an Angel Tree Family, you can reach out to the SNCNN on any of their social media platforms or email them directly: sncommunityofnn@gmail.com