Nevada leads the nation in the rate of unsheltered unaccompanied youth. By region, Las Vegas has the second highest rate of unsheltered unaccompanied youth in the country.[1] In winter, like December in January, where overnight lows in Las Vegas dip into the 30s, unsheltered kids face the added challenge of staying warm. That’s why Lee Canyon is expanding its annual Spread the Warmth Coat & Sock Drive, supporting Project 150 by partnering with other local outdoor recreation businesses to make donating easier.
Today through November 12, people can donate new socks or gently used or new coats sized for high school-aged youth. Donation bins are located in the lobby of Hillside Lodge at Lee Canyon and partner locations.
LAS VEGAS HENDERSON
Las Vegas Cyclery (10575 Discovery Dr.) REI Green Valley (2220 Village Walk Dr. Ste. 150)
Powder and Sun (4555 S Fort Apache Rd.) The Pad Climbing Gym (7585 Commercial Way Ste. J)
REI Boca Park (710 S. Rampart Blvd.)
Southwest Bikes (7290 W Azure Dr #110)
“On any night, 92 percent of unhoused youth in Clark County go unsheltered,” says Project 150’s Executive Director Kelli Kristo. “It’s a staggering number any time of year, but the winter months provide more dire circumstances. Project 150 relies on drives like Lee Canyon’s Spread the Warmth to provide kids with necessities like warm coats and socks.”
“High school students who are unsheltered have an unfair burden to carry. As a community, we can lessen that,” said Jim Seely, Lee Canyon’s director of marketing. “Lee Canyon encourages the local outdoor community to participate in this year’s drive. Project 150 is doing vital work.”
Donations can be made daily at Lee Canyon through Sunday, October 30. Lee Canyon will be open Friday – Sunday through November 20. Donations will be accepted through Saturday, November 12, which is also Lee Canyon’s annual apres-ski-themed Pray for Snow party. Hours for partner donation site locations vary.
Lee Canyon’s Spread the Warmth Coat and Sock Drive is a part of its Play Forever initiative supporting the local community and environment. Along with Project 150, other Play Forever initiatives include the Chris Ruby Cup supporting the Nevada Donor Network and Feel Good Fridays supporting the Hi-Fives Foundation.
[1] Nevada Homeless Alliance
