Carson City Toys for Tots Benefits From a Tethered Balloon Event

CARSON CITY, Nev. (775 Times, NV Globe) – This year, Toys for Tots Carson City is collecting Christmas toys for children in Carson City, Douglas County, Storey County, and West Lyon County. And on Saturday, they’re teaming up with a local hot air balloon firm to provide tethered balloon rides to anybody who drops off a new toy at their Gardnerville offices.

“We love giving back to the community, our owner loves to give back,” said Sheldon Grauberger, pilot for Balloon Nevada. “It’s a great way to get people into ballooning; to see the balloon up close, to see how large it is, and to get a good feeling of what it feels like to get in and out of the basket. Very often, they’ll come do this and go, we’ll have to take a ride in the future!”

Every year, the Carson City Gifts for Tots organization distributes more than 10,000 toys to deserving families, and the demand is growing.

“All children deserve a Christmas,” said Toys for Tots Coordinator Joyce Buckingham. “Last year we served just under 2,000 people and we’re looking at probably 2,500 this year. “It’s just nice to have something under the tree, and no matter what the situation is at home, we’re trying to make sure these kids do have a Christmas.”

There will also be a raffle for a hot air balloon flight for two.

“There’s nothing like it,” Grauberger said. “It’s not scary at all. People think they’re going to be scared in a hot air balloon, but in a balloon there’s no sensation of motion at all. You go up really high, look down, and you don’t even realize you’re up in the air. It’s really beautiful.”

The toy drive begins at 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 1144 US. Gardnerville, Highway 395 North The free balloon rides begin at 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. as well as weather-dependent.

Credits: 2News