Poverty is tough, especially on children. But a little bit of funding through a City program along with the efforts of a non-profit group are helping children in this situation.

At-risk children at Echo Loder Elementary School started off the new school year with new clothes and school supplies. Now, they are also going to be delighted when they discover Santa will not miss their home this year. They will wake up to find new toys waiting for them this coming Christmas.

This all came about through a request from a non-profit group, the Active 20/30 Club to the Ward 3 Neighborhood Advisory Board. The Club asked for $1,500 in Community Pride Grant funds to provide back-to-school and Christmas shopping opportunities to help at-risk children at Echo Loder. The Board liked the idea and recommended approval to the Reno City Council. The Council unanimously approved the request.

Last month, the Ward 2 Central Neighborhood Advisory Board also agreed to provide the group with $1,500 in Community Pride Grant funds for the same purpose.

Community Pride Grant funding is designed to be used for neighborhood specific projects. The funds are generally intended for projects that are short term in nature and quick to implement. In this case, the funds are providing more than just a few smiles. It is demonstrating the commitment to better our community and providing lots of warm, wonderful memories for the children.