Community briefs for January 29, 2002

Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002 | 8:41 a.m.

Taking a hike helps mind, body

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers hikes and walks free of charge, but reservations are required for all programs, which begin at the Visitors Center.

To make reservations or for information call 363-1922. Some upcoming programs:

Hike Leaders Choice: A six-mike moderate to strenuous hike from Sandstone Quarry to Red Springs Friday.

Desert Solitude: A three-mile moderate hike from White Rock to the La Madre Saddle Saturday.

Valentine food tasting event set for Monday

The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary is hosting "Have a Heart Fund-raiser and Valentine Food Tasting" at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Salvation Army's Administration Center, 2900 Palomino Lane.

Faith Lutheran Junior and Senior High School Musical Department will entertain. All donations will be used to furnish the Salvation Army Women's Rehabilitation Programs living quarters at 35 W. Owens Ave. Call 870-4430.

Informational program planned for Thursday

An informational program about the Salute to Youth 2002 Games will be held 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Sawyer State Office Building, 555 E. Washington Ave., room 4412E.

The games will include three competitions: Major League Baseball Diamond Skills, National Youth Games and National Football League Punt, Pass and Kick. The three competitions encompass baseball, football, basketball, soccer, swimming and track and field. The free events are for boys and girls ages 7 to 15.

School P.E. teachers, coaches, church youth activity directors, businesses, youth agencies, parks and recreation agencies and others interested in youth sports are invited.

For reservations, call Cheri by today at 400-1160. For more information on the programs, call the Nevada Youth Alliance at 393-6163.

Alpha Kappa Sorority Inc.

presents its Founders' Day Luncheon at noon Saturday at the Monte Carlo Resort to honor the founders of the sorority. The keynote speaker is Larzette G. Hale. Tickets are $33. Call 594-5053.

Station Casinos recently

presented St. Jude's Ranch for Children with a $50,000 check as part of the company's Caring for our Community Partnership program. St. Jude's Ranch for Children in Boulder City is the fifth nonprofit to benefit from the program.

MGM MIRAGE gives $22,000 donation

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada received a $22,500 donation from MGM MIRAGE to support the Saints in Service Youth Program and the Alston Food Connection.

MGM MIRAGE's donation was provided as a challenge grant to seek out matching funds from other corporate and private supporters.

Nonprofit Lutheran Social Services of Nevada was established in 1997 and has five social service programs that serve the homeless, low-income, youth and senior populations. The Saints in Service program works with at-risk youth who have truancy or criminal problems.

Alson Food connection recovers food from grocery stores and restaurants and delivers it to local food banks.