The Little Red Truck.

Providing Home Furnishings and Supplies For Families That Are Transitioning From Homeless To Home.

 
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"The Little Red Truck began its journey in 2024 as a compassionate 501(c)(3) beacon for individuals and families emerging from the shadows of adversity—be it domestic violence, homelessness, or other life-altering challenges. Free of charge, we offer them comforting home furnishings and essential supplies, referred to us by dedicated local agencies. Our mission is heartfelt: to furnish spaces where new beginnings can flourish, providing stability and a sense of ownership that's vital for healing and growth. We're fueled by a community of volunteers and donors who share our vision, helping us keep these essential items out of landfills and turning empty spaces into nurturing homes. In every couch, every table, every bed, we see not just furniture, but the foundation of a renewed life, steadfast and hopeful."

Get Involved.

Call, text or email us if you'd like to donate your time, furniture or supplies.

 
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Our Story

Background Story:

In the heart of Sparks, Nevada, "The Little Red Truck" emerged from the compassionate vision of Patty and Ken Daniel. Recognizing a growing need within their community, they were moved to act. Patty, when working for a local recovery program, was uniquely positioned to identify families who were transitioning out of homelessness and in desperate need of support. Along with their son, two daughters, and their significant others, Patty and Ken set out to make a tangible difference.

Driven by a shared family ethos of service and community aid, they mobilized resources to provide not just furniture, but also toiletries and other critical items often overlooked but essential for daily living. Their efforts are a family affair, deeply rooted in the community, harnessing the collective power of local volunteers, word of mouth and donors to transform empty houses into warm, welcoming homes.

Success Story:

One of the many success stories that stand out in the journey of "The Little Red Truck" involves a young family who had been living in temporary shelters for over a year. With two young children in tow, the mother, recently employed and determined, received the keys to her apartment but faced the stark reality of an empty space to call home. Through a referral from a local agency, "The Little Red Truck" learned of their plight.

Within a week, Patty and her family had furnished the apartment with the essentials: beds for the children, a dining table where the family could share meals, and a comfortable sofa. But they didn't stop there; they also provided kitchen supplies and toiletries, ensuring the family could focus on building a stable future without the immediate worry of furnishing their home. The gratitude expressed by the family was profound, emphasizing how such support was not just about furniture but the foundation for a hopeful and secure future.

This story is just one of many that encapsulate the mission of "The Little Red Truck" — transforming spaces into sanctuaries where families can thrive and start anew, supported by the very community they live in. Each piece of furniture and every item provided carries with it a message of hope and a promise of a better tomorrow, championed by Patty, Ken, and their unwavering team.

 

Board of Directors

Board Members
Founder, visionary

Patty Daniel

I have been a resident of Washoe County for 58 years. I had the privilege of being a stay home mom, raising my children while serving as a foster parent for 24 years. 5 years ago, I went to work for Washoe County, HSA, serving men, women and children in crisis; teaching, coaching, training and creating an environment in which they could heal and bring hope and purpose back into their lives. I watched these men and women do everything required of them to create a life they could be proud of. I saw repeatedly that after a year or more of dedicated hard work, this transition would be made with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Seeing this, I acted. I began collecting home furnishings and supplies for these men and women. When they moved into a new apartment, I saw to it that they had a bed to sleep on, a table to eat at and a couch to sit on I made certain they had silverware, pots and pans and dishes. Over the last four years, with my husband Ken at my side, we have furnished over eighty homes, providing much-needed support and stability to
these individuals and their young families. The creation of The Little Red Truck will serve the community in a capacity that is not currently being met. With pride I serve.
President

Ken Daniel

Ken has lived in Washoe County for 50 years. He has worked as a Truck Driver for Ernest Packaging for 25 years. He was the face of the company, often times the only person the customer would see. He takes customer service to the next level. He became involved with TLRT by default. Buying his first brand new truck, his wife promptly put him to work, delivering furniture to families that were transitioning from homeless to home. It all started 4 years ago, when Covid hit, and continues to this day. Ken has proudly taken the role as President. 
Vice President

Monica Jaye Stabbert

With over 30 years of experience in Radio, Monica co/hosted Reno's Morning News and was the Public Affairs Director of News Talk 780 KOH for more than 18 years. She started her own company, Monica Jaye Productions, an antique and collectibles business with her mother and a rental company with her husband, Reno’s Biggest Little Stage. She spends her free time sitting on the Boards of many Non-Profit Organizations and teaching groups how to get public exposure. She also loves to MC galas, fundraisers and government events. She and her Husband have lived in Reno for the last 30 years and considers it home. They’re dogs, Dixie, Sadie and Bozeman are a big part of their
lives and always travel with them. She has been a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada three times over. Also, an Ordained Minister so she can perform weddings and be a part of the happiest day for loving couples. Monica is an Inductee in The Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame and was once acknowledged as one of the
Top Ten Most Influential Women in Nevada by Northern Nevada Business Weekly. It’s very important to her to be involved with her
community. That’s why she ran for state office in 2022. For Monica it’s all about being involved and helping people, that’s why she feels it’s an honor to be one of the founding board members and Vice President of
The Little Red Truck. 
Secretary

Don Martin

Don Martin, Secretary. I am a long-time resident of Reno, having moved here with my wife and family in 2003, and a retired
healthcare executive with a background in hospital and professional healthcare consulting organizations for over thirty-five years. I learned of Little Red Truck through a donation of furniture my wife and I made, and became a volunteer moving furniture to help men, women and young families looking to transition their lives and establish households here in Washoe county. I strongly believe in the importance of giving back to the community we live in and was happy to join the Board of The Little Red Truck to support the invaluable service that Patty and Ken Daniel provide to
deserving families in our community. 
Treasurer

Russ Ruiz

 I currently serve as the Executive Director, Finance for Grace Church in Reno, NV. Russ has extensive experience in different finance and accounting leadership roles for both start-ups and large organizations. He began his career in public accounting at Ernst & Young followed by roles at Xilinx and Microsoft. He has previously served as a volunteer representative on the Audit Committee for the Washoe County School District and as a board member for the Ridge House, a recovery organization in Reno. He enjoys traveling, sports and classic cars. At this stage in life, he is committed to holding roles that help people move forward. 
board member 

 Julie Ruiz

Began her career in high technology in the Bay Area. After moving to Reno 20 years ago, she
went back to school at UNR and had a second career in Air Quality. She currently works as the Volunteer Coordinator for A Plus Hospice Care. She recruits and trains volunteers to provide companionship and
respite care to hospice patients. She and her husband, Russ, enjoy camping and traveling and have raised 3 sons in Reno. She has a heart for helping those in recovery as well as transitioning out of recovery and ensuring their success.
   

We're Here For the Community.

Check out the different ways you can get involved to help the homeless in our area.

Have Extra Items Someone Could Use? Want To Donate Them.

Donate your common household items to help someone in need.

Furniture

  • Beds (new mattresses, frames) queen and twin only
  • Tables (small dining, side)
  • Seating (chairs, sofas)
Household supplies
  • mops
  • buckets
  • brooms
  • shower curtains
  • garbage cans/kitchen and bath
  • laundry basket
  • dishes
  • pots and pans
  • silverware

Other Essential Items

  • bath mats
  • towels
  • washcloths

Additional Considerations

  • Household cleaning supplies
  • Basic household tools like hammers, screwdrivers and pliers.
 

Can You Help Us Out With Your Time Or Resources?

We need people like you to help us help others.

Volunteer Time and Effort

  • Volunteer driving: for those willing to use their personal vehicles to transport donations or people.
  • Event volunteering: helping out during specific events or drives.
  • Skill-based volunteering: offering professional skills like marketing, legal advice, or IT support.  Attorney.  

Resource Donation

  • Mechanic to keep our box truck sound and running smooth.
  • Storage space donation: offering space to store donated items until they are distributed.
  • Office equipment donation: providing computers, printers, and other office supplies to help with administrative tasks.

Promotional Support

  • Social media advocate: sharing and promoting the non-profit’s missions and needs on social media.
  • Community outreach volunteer: helping to raise awareness in the community through booths at events, presentations, or door-to-door information sessions.
  • Fundraising volunteer: assisting in organizing and running fundraising events or online crowdfunding campaigns.
  • Graphic design volunteer: creating promotional materials like flyers, posters, and digital content.

Financial and Material Contributions

  • Financial donations: direct monetary contributions to support the ongoing activities.
  • In-kind donations: providing goods and services that the non-profit needs rather than cash.

Logistics Support

  • Logistics coordination: helping manage the logistics of item collection, storage, and distribution.
  • Repair and maintenance volunteering: for those who can offer mechanical skills to maintain donated vehicles and equipment.
 
Corporate Sponsorships.

Empowering Reno, Sparks: Join The Little Red Truck in Transforming Lives Through Corporate Partnership.

At The Little Red Truck, we believe in the power of community and the pivotal role of corporate partnership in driving impactful change. We are dedicated to aiding families and individuals in Reno and Sparks, NV, as they transition from homelessness to a stable living environment. Our mission relies heavily on the generosity of corporate sponsors who can provide essential resources such as furniture, legal services, manpower, and financial support. These contributions are vital in helping us furnish homes, support transitional programs, and offer comprehensive services that extend beyond basic needs.

Detailed Needs

Our operations require a diverse range of contributions, from high-quality furniture to help furnish homes, to professional legal advice ensuring our activities comply with regulatory standards. We also seek financial backing to sustain our daily operations and manpower to help with logistics and event management. Corporate sponsors who align with our cause not only fuel our mission but also help in cultivating a support system that nurtures recovery and independence for those in need.

Enhanced Corporate Image and Perception.

By partnering with The Little Red Truck, sponsors receive the benefit of enhanced brand perception as socially responsible businesses. This partnership not only highlights your commitment to social issues but also strengthens your company's reputation within the local community and beyond.

Marketing and Publicity Opportunities. 

Sponsors will gain access to a variety of marketing and publicity opportunities, including featured logos on our website, mentions in press releases, and visibility at community and fundraising events. This exposure not only amplifies your brand’s presence but also aligns it with meaningful community impact.

Community Engagement and Employee Involvement. 

Collaborating with The Little Red Truck offers unique team-building and employee engagement opportunities. Employees can participate in volunteer days, contribute to planning and executing community events, and directly engage with the impact their work has on improving lives.

Tax Benefits.

Corporate contributions to The Little Red Truck, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, soon will be tax-deductible. This benefit extends not only to monetary donations but also to in-kind donations such as furniture, legal services, and other non-monetary support.
 

Meet Our Sponsors.

College Hunks Hauling Junk.

In Reno, NV, "College Hunks Hauling Junk," owned by the dedicated Eric S., stands as a beacon of community service and support. Renowned for their commitment to making a tangible difference, this outstanding team goes beyond mere moving and junk removal. They are celebrated for their unwavering support of local initiatives like The Little Red Truck, providing invaluable manpower, furniture, and clean-up services. Their efforts have been crucial in transforming empty spaces into warm, welcoming homes for those transitioning out of homelessness. Through their generous contributions, College Hunks of Reno exemplify what it means to be local heroes, turning their day-to-day operations into powerful acts of kindness that uplift the entire community.
 

Sargent's Home Appliance Sales and Service

Sargents Home Appliance Sales & Service in Sparks is not just a business; it's a pillar of community support and sustainability. Deeply committed to environmental stewardship and aiding those in need, Sargents plays a crucial role in appliance recycling, repair, and donations. By meticulously refurbishing used appliances, they ensure that functional equipment finds a second life in homes that need them most, rather than ending up in landfills. This not only aids in creating functional homes but also supports the environment by promoting recycling and reuse. Sargents Home Appliance exemplifies how local businesses can make a profound impact, turning everyday operations into lasting contributions to both the community and the planet.
 

Pizza Plus of Reno and Sparks.

We are incredibly grateful to Pizza Plus of Reno-Sparks, for their generous support and unwavering commitment to our mission. Their donations of delicious food not only fuel our community events but also nourish the hardworking volunteers who make it all possible. Pizza Plus’s kindness and dedication to giving back inspire us and remind us of the power of local businesses to create meaningful change. Together, we’re making a difference for families in need, one slice at a time. Thank you, Pizza Plus, for being a vital part of The Little Red Truck That Did!

 

Scoopers of Reno and Sparks. 

The Little Red Truck That Did is proud to partner with Reno Sparks Scoopers, a compassionate local business dedicated to giving back to the community. Scoopers generously donates food and refreshments to fuel our volunteers and helpers as we work together to support families emerging from homelessness. Their unwavering support allows us to focus on our mission of providing essential home furnishings and supplies to those in need. We are deeply grateful for their kindness and community spirit, which inspire us to keep making a difference every day. Together, we are transforming lives, one family at a time.

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