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8 VETERANS Reporter News www.VeteransReporterNews.com January 1 %u2022 2025Pahrump Hosts Annual Free Community Christmas Dinner and Bike Giveaway%u25a0Pahrump, Nevada - December 24, 2024 %u2013 The Nye Communities Coalition%u2019s annual Free Community Christmas Dinner brought joy and camaraderie to the residents of Pahrump. The event, organized by the Pahrump Nevada Holiday Task Force Chairperson Linda Wright and all her Nye Communities Coalition members, and all the volunteers from Pahrump and Nye County, provided not only a festive meal for the community but also a memorable moment of connection and goodwill. If you are interested in donating or volunteering to the Pahrump Holiday Task Force, please contact pahrumpholidaytaskforce@gmail.com.One of the highlights of the event was the involvement of local veterans, who were recognized for their service. The group took a moment to honor all those who fought for the country. The attendees stood in recognition, including LtCol Tom Waters (ret) and Judge Kim Wanker, the 5th Judicial District Court Judge, who travels throughout Nye County, including Pahrump, Goldfield, and Tonopah. Judge Wanker, who has been serving since 2011, spoke about the importance of giving back to the community and also shared a fun fact: country music icon Reba McEntire portrayed him in the 2023 movie The Hammer.The event also featured an appearance from Sandra, a retired Coast Guard veteran who now lives in Pahrump and is actively involved in community services. Sandra was recognized for her contributions and also shared a lighthearted moment as she donned a Santa costume, with her natural beard stealing the show.Adding to the festive spirit, the community also celebrated the Avery Project, an initiative led by Scott Samson and his daughter, Avery, who have been giving bikes to children every Christmas for the past five years. With the help of volunteers, including youth from the local Cinderella program and National Junior Honor Society, the event saw 220 bikes given to kids in need. %u201cIt%u2019s a great way to get kids outside and active, especially after the challenges of COVID,%u201d said Scott Samson. %u201cWe fix up old bikes, accept donations, and even buy new ones, all through community support.%u201dThe event was made possible through generous fundraising and donations, with the community coming together to ensure every child received a bike, creating lasting memories for all involved. This annual event not only provided holiday cheer but also emphasized the importance of volunteerism, community support, and the spirit of giving.For more information about the Avery Project, visit their website at www.theaveryproject.info.