South Tahoe Alliance of Resorts keeps Christmas Cheer doors open with $5k donation

Submitted by Editor on Thu, 09/19/2013 - 5:01pm

Christmas Cheer, one of South Lake Tahoe’s local food banks, could not open its doors on some Sundays this fall from lack of available funds and contributions. The South Tahoe Alliance of Resorts (STAR) came to the rescue with a $5,000 donation that will significantly replenish the shelves at the food bank for the 400 households it serves.

STAR is comprised of Edgewood Companies, Harrah’s Tahoe, Harveys Resort Hotel and Casino, Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, Lakeside Inn and Casino, and Vail Resorts. The companies work collaboratively on community, economic, and sustainability initiatives as well as supporting area non-profits like Christmas Cheer All Year.

“We believe that if our community is healthy and strong our economy will follow,” said who, title. “All of our companies have their own community grant programs, but as STAR, we come together each year to give Christmas Cheer the ability to continue their important work and keep regular meals available to the families in the program.”

“It’s not only at Christmas that our families are hungry,” said Virginia Buffington, director of Christmas Cheer. “We rely on funding all year long and encourage the community to pretend it’s Christmas all year long.”

With a core volunteer group of seven and another 6-10 individuals who assist part-time provide households with three to four days of food per month. And sometimes multiple families live together in a single household.

The $5,000 contribution will go a long way this time of year because Christmas Cheer helps families beyond the holiday season and encounters funding constraints all-year.

“The lay-off season is coming and as a result more families are in need of food, clothing, bedding and household items,” said Buffington

Christmas Cheer does not receive any government subsidy, relying 100 percent on donations. Households must prove eligibility to utilize the program. Volunteers and donations are needed throughout the year. Christmas Cheer is located at 1022 3rd St. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.