News from around the Valley, Sept. 24-30, 2015

Coats for Kids drive: The 16th annual Sweet 16 Harriet's Coats for Kids drive is set for Oct. 1 to Nov. 2. Residents can drop off gently used or new coats at any Las Vegas Valley Albertsons store. The items will be picked up by Aramark Uniform and dry cleaned courtesy of Al Phillips the Cleaner. Donors may fill out a ballot to win two free tickets to this year's show sponsor, Terry Fator at The Mirage. Winners will be drawn at the end of drive. Coats will be distributed by The Salvation Army's Family Services. Call 702-233-2417.

Community awards: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has begun its search for Nevada's top youth volunteers of 2016. The annual national awards program, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors students in grades 5-12 who have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service. The top middle and high school volunteer in every state each receive $1,000, a silver medallion and an all-expenses-paid trip with a parent to Washington, D.C., for several days of national recognition events. State-level runners-up receive bronze medallions or Certificates of Excellence. Through Nov. 3, middle and high school students are invited to apply for 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards at spirit.prudential.com.

Feeding America: September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign from Feeding America that unites communities to take action against the issue of hunger. In honor of Hunger Action Month, Smith's Food & Drug Stores is partnering with Three Square food bank to encourage its shoppers to Pour It Forward by donating nutrient-rich milk to families in need in their local communities. Through September, Smith's customers can donate $1, $3 or $5 at checkout to help local families in Las Vegas get milk. Donations are also being collected at bringinghopetothetable.com/pouritforward.

Public outreach meetings: Las Vegas Valley residents are invited to participate in public outreach meetings on the updated Downtown Master Plan, set from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St. City leaders, along with a team of consultants led by RTKL, a global architecture and urban design firm, are midway through an 18-month process to create a new master plan to better facilitate the physical, social, and economic development of downtown Las Vegas over the next 20 years. At this event, participants will have an opportunity to respond to a new proposed vision for downtown Las Vegas, learn the results of an extensive economic market study and weigh in on new proposed alternative plans for downtown. Participation in these events is free, and valley residents 18 or older who have an interest in downtown Las Vegas are invited.

Public input sought: The city of Las Vegas has prepared an updated self-evaluation and draft transition plan in response to expectations set forth in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure the city's programs, services and benefits offered to the public do not discriminate against people with disabilities. The city surveyed 146 public facilities based on compliance with the ADA for structural impediments that could pose a barrier to persons with disabilities and corrective measures were determined to address the potential obstructions. The transition plan identifies and prioritizes which barrier removal actions will have the greatest impact citywide to ensure maximum access and equality among city programs for all residents. The public is invited to review the updated 2015 self-evaluation and draft transition plan and to provide feedback on the proposed goals. The online forum is available through noon Oct. 31 at lasvegasnevada.gov/ADAUpdate. A hard copy of the draft transition plan can also be viewed in the Human Resources Department on the first floor at City Hall, 495 Main St.

Red Rock Canyon campground reopens: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area's developed campground has reopened for camping season. Cooler temperatures during the fall and winter months make Red Rock a destination for rock climbers and recreationists. Red Rock Campground is located within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area approximately 2 miles east of the visitor center on state Route 159 (West Charleston Boulevard) and is the only developed campground within the conservation area. The campground features 71 individual campsites and seven group campsites. Individual sites are $15 per site/night, and group campsites are $40 per site/night. Reservations for the group campsites are required and can be made at recreation.gov. Campfires and/or charcoal barbecues are prohibited in Red Rock Campground until fire restrictions are lifted, usually in late September/early October. Due to low visitation in the summer (about 6 percent capacity a month), the campground was seasonally closed May 26. Backcountry camping is allowed within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area above 5,000 feet. A permit is required and can be obtained by calling 702-515-5050.

Give A Meal food program: Three Square food bank has partnered with Bank of America and Feeding America to help address the issue of hunger in the Las Vegas community. Through Dec. 31, Bank of America's Give A Meal program aims to increase hunger awareness and support. For every $1 donated, Bank of America Charitable Foundation will give $2 more. Last year, the Give A Meal program locally resulted in more than $12,000 benefiting Three Square — amounting to 36,000-plus meals provided to those in need in Southern Nevada. Visit threesquare.org and feedingamerica.org.

Winter gear collection: During September, HopeLink's SeniorLink, a 55-plus service for seniors living in poverty, will collect and sort new and gently used donations of winter coats, gloves and scarves to be distributed in October to senior communities in Southern Nevada. To donate, contact Don Miller, SeniorLink director at HopeLink, at 702-566-0576, ext. 305, or email don@link2hope.org. Tax deductible contributions to the effort can be made at link2hope.org.

Miracle Mile fountain donations: In honor of Las Vegas Pride, the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to collect donations in its fountain during September for the Human Rights Campaign, which works to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. Visit lasvegas.hrc.org.

Parade performer auditions: Downtown Summerlin is looking for 48 high-energy dancers, drummers and performers for costumed characters to perform during the holiday season at Downtown Summerlin's Holiday Parade. Another 16 technicians and float pullers are also needed. Greg Thompson Productions plans to hold auditions Sept. 19 by appointment only. All performers and tech crew members must be 16 or older by Dec. 31. All performers must be available for 20 performance dates from mid-November through Dec. 24. For details on compensation, to sign up for an audition and for more information, contact dtsholidayparade@yahoo.com.