Help Others Have a Great Thanksgiving This Year

Help Those Who May Be Facing Food Insecurity This Thanksgiving

As the season of gratitude approaches, many of us look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with our loved ones. However, it's essential to recognize that not everyone has the means to enjoy a bountiful meal during this time. In the Las Vegas area, countless individuals and families struggle with food insecurity, making it crucial to support local food pantries and food banks to ensure everyone can experience the warmth and nourishment of the holiday season.


Why Donate to Food Pantries and Food Banks?

Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant entertainment and bustling lifestyle, also harbors communities that battle food insecurity. According to Feeding America’s 2023 Map the Meal Gap, there are 274,430 – or one in eight– food-insecure individuals in Southern Nevada. The food insecurity rate across Southern Nevada is 12%. The study also shows that 17.8% of children in Southern Nevada – or one in six, which equates to 93,750– are living in food-insecure households. Donating to food pantries and food banks during Thanksgiving, and year round, holds significant importance as it allows these organizations to provide essential resources to those in need. The impact of a simple act of giving can make a substantial difference in someone's holiday experience.


Ways to Donate:

Several ways exist to contribute to the efforts of local food pantries and food banks:

  • Monetary Donations: Financial contributions are incredibly valuable as they enable these organizations to purchase food in bulk or acquire perishable items that might not be easily accessible through traditional donations.
  • Non-Perishable Food Items: Donating non-perishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and other shelf-stable products can make a significant impact. Before donating, it's wise to check with the specific organization you plan to donate to to know what items are most needed.
  • Volunteering: Offering your time as a volunteer can be just as impactful as monetary or food donations, if not more so. Many food banks and pantries welcome volunteers to help sort, pack, and distribute food to those in need, especially during the busy holiday season.


Where to Donate in Las Vegas:

Las Vegas hosts several reputable organizations dedicated to alleviating hunger. Consider contributing to or volunteering at these establishments:

  • Three Square: As Southern Nevada's largest food bank, Three Square leads the charge in fighting hunger across Clark County. They offer various programs and initiatives to ensure individuals and families receive nutritious meals.
  • Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada: This organization operates a range of services, including a food pantry that provides emergency food assistance to individuals and families in need.
  • Shade Tree: Focusing on supporting women, children, and their pets facing homelessness, Shade Tree accepts food donations to ensure those within their care have access to meals.


In addition to these options, there are dozens of smaller food pantries and churches offering food service all over the valley. If you would like a local option, reach out to local grocers and churches to see if they are running programs of their own. Additionally, McKenna Property Management runs an annual food drive each year in which all donations are then provided to Three Square to help feed those in need. This year, our food drive will run from November 15th through December 15th. Although there is a raffle for our tenants who participate, we welcome all readers to participate and help us make a difference this year.


Thanksgiving embodies the spirit of gratitude and sharing, making it an ideal time to extend kindness to those facing food insecurity. Whether through monetary contributions, donating non-perishable goods, or volunteering your time, every effort counts in ensuring that everyone can partake in the joys of the holiday season. Together, as a community, we can make a meaningful difference by supporting local food pantries and food banks, spreading hope, and nourishing the spirit of giving during this special time of year.

Dive-In Movies at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Summer 2025

June 9, 2025
This summer, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas invites guests to its iconic Boulevard Pool for the return of Dive-In Movies, a unique poolside cinema experience. Every Monday evening from May 19 to September 1, guests can enjoy a selection of blockbuster hits and timeless classics projected on a 65-foot digital marquee, all while lounging poolside or taking a dip in the pool. Event Details: • Dates: Mondays, May 19 – September 1, 2025 • Doors Open: 6:15 PM • Movie Starts: 8:00 PM • Location: Boulevard Pool, Level 3, accessible via the Boulevard Tower escalators • Admission: $15 for non-hotel guests; $10 for Las Vegas locals with valid ID; complimentary for hotel guests, Identity Membership & Rewards members, first responders, and military personnel with valid ID; children aged 5 and under are free. Upcoming Movie Lineup: • June 9: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone • June 16: Wicked • June 23: The Goonies • June 30: Top Gun • July 4th: Top Gun: Maverick • July 7: Despicable Me • July 14: Inside Out 2 • July 21: Happy Gilmore • July 28: Elf • August 4: Lilo & Stitch • August 11: Twilight • August 18: Mean Girls • August 25: Legally Blonde • September 1: Good Burger  For those seeking a more luxurious experience, cabana and daybed reservations are available, which include a food and beverage minimum and complimentary admission to Dive-In Movies. Reservations can be made by calling 702.698.6797. Whether you're a hotel guest or a local resident, Dive-In Movies at The Cosmopolitan offer a memorable way to enjoy a night out under the stars with the Las Vegas Strip as your backdrop. The above info is subject to change, stay up to date on The Cosmopolitans website. https://cosmopolitanlasvegas.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/dive-in-movies.html

Wagging Tails Rescue: Giving Hope to Homeless Dogs in Las Vegas

June 4, 2025
Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, Wagging Tails Rescue is a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to saving homeless and abandoned dogs from high-kill shelters and owner surrenders. Unlike traditional shelters, Wagging Tails Rescue operates through a network of loving volunteers and foster homes, providing temporary safe havens for dogs — especially pregnant moms and orphaned puppies — until they find their forever families. With no physical facility, the rescue’s strength lies in its community of passionate foster caregivers who nurture these pups with love, care, and attention. Beyond rescuing dogs, Wagging Tails Rescue champions responsible pet ownership through education on spay/neuter, positive behavior training, and proper nutrition. Want to meet some of these adorable dogs and maybe even adopt? Keep an eye on their Instagram @waggingtailsrescuelv for updates on frequent adoption events. From fun puppy yoga sessions to gatherings at Petco and even “Puppies and Pints” at Lovelady Brewery, there are plenty of opportunities to support and connect with this amazing rescue. Every wagging tail tells a story — and at Wagging Tails Rescue, those stories always end with hope and a happy home.

Las Vegas Parking Guide

May 27, 2025
If you’re a first-time visitor to Las Vegas, the idea of paying for parking might not be as big of a deal as it is to those of us who’ve been around for a while. Just a few years ago, it was practically unheard of to pay for parking on The Strip. Free parking was a standard expectation for both locals and casino guests alike. But times have changed, and many of the big casinos along the iconic Las Vegas Strip have started charging for parking. While we’ll let you draw your own conclusions about whether or not parking fees are justified (locals, we feel your pain), we’re here to guide you on where to park on the Las Vegas Strip. So, buckle up, and check out our list to see where you can park for free as a local! First three hours of self-parking are free for locals: • The Aria • The Bellagio • Caesar’s Palace • The Cosmopolitan • The Cromwell • The Excalibur • The Flamingo • The LINQ • Luxor • The MGM & Park MGM • Planet Hollywood • Wynn & the Encore Free Parking across the board • Rio • The Palms As a final tip when it comes to visiting the strip: Check and see if the casino does any sort of parking validation. A lot of times they will give you free parking if you spend a certain amount of money inside, are a guest (on a staycation) or are a certain tier level among their rewards programs. Remember, it never hurts to ask. If you're visiting Las Vegas, be sure to check with your hotel about whether parking and valet services are included when you book your room. It's a cost worth factoring into your trip planning!
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