TARK TOY DRIVE AIMS TO MAKE CHILDREN SMILE
UNLV fans are encouraged to donate new stuffed toys at the Runnin’ Rebels game vs. Nevada, Reno on Saturday, Feb. 20
The family of Hall of Famer and legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian has launched the Tark Toy Drive to raise awareness for how strokes can happen at any age.
UNLV fans are encouraged to bring new stuffed toys to the Runnin’ Rebel game vs. Nevada, Reno, on Saturday, Feb. 20. The toys will be collected from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the main entrance of the Thomas & Mack Center and also at the Cox Pavilion (student) entrance.
The Toy Drive is also taking place in Fresno, Calif.
“Jerry was loved in Las Vegas and Fresno and now the Tarkanian family is so pleased these communities will honor him and make a difference in the lives of children in need,” Amy Tarkanian said. “The Tark Toy Drive will benefit kids at two wonderful hospitals, including UMC. I am looking forward to seeing all of our family and friends and filling up the toy box!”
Last April, Coach Tarkanian’s grandson — five-year-old Jerry Tarkanian — suffered a stroke and his family credits the quick medical attention of University Medical Center of Southern Nevada and an outpouring of love, thoughts and prayers from so many in both the Las Vegas and Fresno communities for his amazing recovery.
While the younger Jerry Tarkanian was being treated in the hospital for an ischemic stroke, his family saw so many other children receiving medical care and how families were trying to bring them comfort even as they struggled with their own worries and fears. The Tarkanians feel fortunate that his family and friends were constantly by his side.
And that’s what inspired Amy and Danny Tarkanian to raise awareness — not just about pediatric strokes, but that strokes can happen at any age as the late Coach Tarkanian also suffered from strokes during his life — and launch the Tark Toy Drive.
“A stroke can occur at ANY age, and quick medical attention can be critical,” Amy Tarkanian added. “To help spread this message and encourage people to talk with their doctors about early warning signs, Tark Toy Drive is collecting new stuffed toys for kids in hospitals suffering from strokes, injuries or any illnesses. We want to put a smile on each child’s face to help them ease their road to recovery.”
In addition to UMC in Las Vegas, Valley Children’s in Madera, Calif., is the hospital in the Fresno area that the Tark Toy Drive will donate to.
The Tarkanian Family hopes the Tark Toy Drive gives children the chance to cuddle with a soft stuffed animal or play with a new toy so that these special children experience comfort and joy as well as giving some peace of mind to parents who are unable to always be by their side.
Summary
Article Name
UNLV MEN'S BASKETBALL NEWS: Tark Toy Drive Aims To Make Children Smile - Donate This Saturday!
Description
The family of Hall of Famer and legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian has launched the Tark Toy Drive to raise awareness for how strokes can happen at any age.
Author
Judy Reppart