A safe place to sleep, a full stomach, a second chance at a happy home—together we can be the light for people when times seem darkest. Organizations throughout our community are dedicated to bridging the gap for those in need, whether that’s putting food on the table, helping pets find loving families, fostering creativity and confidence, or improving our shared experience as a society in other ways. Here are some organizations that could use your support to be the light in times of darkness.
1. The Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows
The Club serves more than 14,500 youth, offering safe, supportive programs with meals, tutoring, sports, and family resources. Community members eager to inspire and empower local youth can make a difference by donating or volunteering — tutoring, coaching, leading projects, or helping at events. Learn more at BGCTM.org.
2. Sierra Arts Foundation
The Sierra Arts Foundation passionately supports the arts, arts education, and both professional and emerging local artists — vital parts of a thriving community. Donating, attending events and exhibitions, or volunteering all help nurture and sustain the arts in our region. Learn more at SierraArts.org.
3. Safe Embrace
Safe Embrace provides victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking a variety of resources with prevention and intervention services. Volunteers are appreciated, especially those from the legal community, but the most helpful way to support this impactful, life-saving and life-changing organization is through monetary donations. SafeEmbrace.org
4. The Karma Box Project
Support those experiencing homelessness by supporting the Karma Box Project. The Project goes beyond donation boxes with programs including a Safe Camp on the Cares Campus, a resource center, a warming center, a homeless response team, and an outreach team. The Project’s GRIT program works with people in recovery to help them integrate and thrive. The organization exchanges gift cards for work as part of its pre-employment program. Donations of gift cards and monetary support to help the team are crucial to the Project’s success. Learn more at KarmaBoxProject.org.
5. The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
The Pioneer Center is northern Nevada’s premier venue and a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life. It offers world-class performances, free community events, and arts education, reaching thousands each year. Support the Pioneer Center through donations, by attending events and performances, or by volunteering (waitlist available). Learn more and support at PioneerCenter.com.
6. STEP2
STEP2 helps women, mothers, and expectant mothers overcome addiction through tools, treatment, and support that creates a ripple effect, supporting families for generations to come. You can help by donating or volunteering, which looks a lot like assembling furniture, decorating, assisting with moves, and more. Learn how to get involved at STEP2Reno.org.
7. Note-Able Music Therapy Services
NMTS supports physical, social, and mental health needs in our community by offering a range of low-cost adaptive music, music therapy, and neurologic music therapy services, improving mental and physical well-being, while enriching our community’s arts landscape. Spreading awareness, attending events, donating money, and volunteering with NMTS are great ways to support. Learn more at NMTSReno.org.
8. Veterans Guest House
Serving those who have served our country, Veterans Guest House offers veteran families overnight lodging, meals, transportation, post-operative personal care, and other supportive services at no cost to ensure access to essential healthcare. Volunteering through greeting guests, cooking, helping with housekeeping or yardwork, or assisting at fundraising events are great ways to support the organization, in addition to donating monetarily. VeteransGuestHouse.org.
9. The Discovery
The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum aims to inspire generations of lifelong learners through exhibitions and programs. By donating or volunteering, you can help provide unique and engaging experiences through hands-on activities, exhibitions and programs for people of every age and interest. Learn more and donate at NVDM.org.
10. The Children’s Cabinet
Working to keep children safe and families together, The Children’s Cabinet offers more than 40 free programs and services for youth and their families. Volunteers are vital. Help by packing groceries, assisting at youth programs, or supporting community events. Monetary donations also make a critical, lasting impact. Learn more at ChildrensCabinet.org.
11. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada
The Food Bank works to improve the health of children, adults, and seniors by providing access to nutritious food. Serving more than 160,000 people each month, both the need for and impact of the Food Bank continue to grow. Volunteers can sort, pack, and distribute food, or help with food drives. Learn more and give at FBNN.org.
12. Canine Rehabilitation Center and Cat Sanctuary
CRCCS rescues overlooked, long-term, shelter pets, providing recovery, training, and loving new homes. Support their mission by donating funds, food, or supplies, attending events, or volunteering to help these dedicated rescuers give pets a second chance at life. Learn more at CRCCS.org.
Organizations throughout our community are dedicated to bridging the gap for those in need, whether that’s putting food on the table, helping pets find loving families, fostering creativity and confidence, or improving our shared experience as a society in other ways.