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.

Turn Extra Cash into Lasting Legacy: Help Your son/daughter Own a Home!

April 28, 2025
Helping Your Child Buy a Home: Smart Strategies with Tax Benefits  Many parents want to help their children buy a home, but doing so in a way that also provides financial and tax advantages is key. Here are a few strategies to consider when assisting your son or daughter with homeownership while maximizing tax benefits. 1. Gifting Money for a Down Payment The IRS allows individuals to gift up to $18,000 per recipient annually ($36,000 for married couples) without triggering a gift tax. If you stay within this limit, your child receives a down payment boost without tax consequences. 2. Loaning Money to Your Child Instead of gifting, you can lend money at the IRS’s Applicable Federal Rate (AFR), which is often lower than traditional mortgage rates. Structuring it as a formal loan allows your child to build equity while you may receive interest income. 3. Co-Signing or Co-Owning the Home Some parents choose to co-sign a mortgage or co-own the home. While this can help secure better loan terms, it also means shared financial responsibility. If you co-own, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on your tax return, depending on usage. 4. Buying the Home as an Investment Property If your child pays you rent, the home could be classified as an investment property. This allows you to deduct expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, and maintenance. However, rental income must be reported to the IRS. Final Thoughts Every financial situation is unique, and tax laws change. Consulting with a tax professional or estate planner ensures that your support aligns with your financial goals and tax strategy. Helping your child buy a home is a generous step—doing it wisely ensures benefits for both of you.

Using Our Screening Score Sheet for Rental Applications

April 21, 2025
When applying for one of our rental properties, we use a comprehensive screening score sheet to ensure all applicants are held to the same standard. The score sheet evaluates various aspects of your financial stability and rental history, helping the landlord make informed decisions while maintaining a fair and transparent process! Here’s a breakdown of how we assess your application utilizing the screening score sheet: 1. Length of Residency: While longer periods at previous residences typically suggest reliability and commitment, we understand that some applicants may be first-time renters. We welcome first-time renters, and on the screening score sheet, you can assign yourself a "1" under "Length of Residency" if this is your first rental experience! 2. Collections: We review any outstanding collections, including monthly utilities or bills, as well as loans (excluding medical bills). This helps us assess your overall financial responsibility. Your estimated monthly payment for all your loans, utilities and bills is also taken into consideration. 3. Rent-to-Income Ratio (per household): To ensure you can comfortably afford the rent, we require that your monthly income is at least 2.5 times the rent amount. This ratio helps us verify your ability to manage rent payments alongside other living expenses. 4. FICO Score: While there is no specific minimum FICO score, we do take it into account when evaluating your financial health. A higher score indicates a history of responsible credit management. 5. NSF/Late Payments & Landlord Disputes: We look into your rental history to ensure that there are no frequent NSF (non-sufficient funds) or late payments, and that there are no unresolved disputes with previous landlords. Please note that all application charges are non-refundable, and every occupant over the age of 18 must submit a separate application. Our scoring system ranges from 0 to 21, with 15 being the lowest acceptable score. All approvals or denials are ultimately decided by the property owner. We do not operate off a first come first serve basis, so if you are curious about the status of applications prior to applying, please don’t hesitate to call our office! By using our screening score sheet, we aim to create a rental environment where both tenants and property owners can thrive. This score sheet can be found on our site, under the Before You Apply Manual, as well as under “Rental Resources”.

Declutter and Earn: Join the Outdoor Swap Meet at the Downtown Recreation Center in Henderson!

April 16, 2025
Looking to declutter your home while making some extra cash? The outdoor swap meet at the Downtown Recreation Center in Henderson is the perfect opportunity! Whether you’re cleaning out your closets, clearing space in your garage, or finding a new home for gently used toys, books, and clothes, this event is your chance to turn those items into money. Each booth equals two parking spots, and registration is required at least one week in advance. All booths are assigned randomly, ensuring a fair and fun atmosphere for all. Remember, only second-hand items can be sold, so it’s a great way to recycle and give your items a second life. Event takes place April 19th & May 17th! The swap meet opens at 7am, so come early to shop! Admission is free for all ages, making it a perfect outing for families looking to find unique treasures. Ready to get started? Simply register on the City of Henderson website to secure your spot. It’s time to clean out, earn some extra cash, and find something new – don’t miss out on this exciting event at the Downtown Recreation Center!
More Posts