Pictured are Hannah Hansen and Jessica Walkner. Hansen and the Walkners are working
together to collect items for two families touched by tragedy this Christmas season.
together to collect items for two families touched by tragedy this Christmas season.
When Hannah Hansen saw the devastation of the fire happening in her neighborhood along M Avenue earlier this week, she knew immediately that she was going to help.
“I wanted to help. I can only imagine how both families felt, watching three fire departments putting out the fire on their homes two weeks before Christmas,” Hannah said.
She noted that one family had lost everything but the clothes on their backs, and the other family was able to salvage most of their belongings but still needed certain items to replace those damaged by smoke.
Local bowling alley owners Scott and Jessica Walkner were taking out the trash at the bowling alley when they saw the duplex in flames just down the street from them. “They were both on scene, when I arrived. Scott went over to the bowling alley and started making food, and Jessica brought drinks over for those on the fire department and those on the scene that evening.”
Hannah and the Walkners were both called to action, and decided to join forces to collect items for the families. The Walkners agreed to accept donations at Sports Bowl, and Hannah communicated with the families to keep people updated on what these families needed. She’s been posting her updates on Facebook.
Her most recent list of what people need is as follows:
For the Harris family-
- 5T clothing 100 percent cotton is preferred due to eczema
- Medium clothing for mom
- Large clothing for the 16-year-old
- Shoes size 10 (for the boy) and size 12 toddler (for the girl)
- Shampoo/conditioner/towels
- Gift cards/Fuel cards to Fareway and Casey’s
Christmas gift wants:
For the girl-
- Plushies
- Anything sonic
- Dollhouses (I would also think Barbies are a good idea!)
For the boy
- Gift cards
For Sam’s Family-
- Extra large T-shirts
- 30 X 34 pants
- Shoe sizes 11/12 for the older boy and 6 1/2 for the younger boy. The boys would like Jordan’s for Christmas if possible.
- Size 11/12 pants
- Size 8 shoes (for mom)
- 36 C or 36 D bras
Christmas gift wants:
- A new phone (Hanna will try to find out what provider they go through currently if someone is interested in purchasing this)
- VR headset
- Gift cards
- Cash donations
All donations, including cash donations, can be left at Sports Bowl, 1229 12th St. Physical items can be left outside their front door if they aren’t open when you stop.
“The community and the people of Nevada have been the biggest support and help to these two families,” Hannah said. “The families are beyond thankful for everyone who has donated and reached out. It truly means the most to them to have such amazing people willing to help during this tragic event.”
–Written by Marlys Barker, City of Nevada
