Break a sweat, help a local kid for Christmas

Local fitness center Carson City CrossFit is hoping the community will exercise some goodwill this weekend.

After reading in the newspaper about a fundraising shortfall for the Holiday with a Hero program, which provides a shopping spree for children in need, co-owner Jill Larson wanted to help.

"I wanted to do something for these children for the holidays," she said. "We want to help make sure that no local child goes without Christmas."

So she's holding a community workout Sunday and is asking participants to donate at least $10 to the program.

The Holiday with a Hero program pairs children in the Students in Transition program with someone from law enforcement or other public service agency to shop for Christmas.

The number of students qualifying for the program - which serves those living in motels, cars, campgrounds or doubling up with other families - has more than doubled since last year, from 151 to 350.

Early into fundraising, organizers found themselves about $16,000 short of their goal to give each child a $100 gift card, said Carson City sheriff's Detective Daniel Gonzales, board president for Holiday with a Hero.

Although the effort is still about $5,000 short, Gonzales said, he appreciates the public's support over the last few weeks.

"It's amazing what the community has done so far," he said. "We thought we were going to be $15,000 short, so this is remarkable."

He's grateful to CrossFit owners, as well.

"It's just great an organization like this is willing to take this on and help us," he said.

Although Larson may have a soft heart, she said participants should not expect any leniency when it comes to the workout.

"You'll definitely break a sweat," she said.

In the workout, which she calls a Full Mission Profile, participants will be given a mission - such as rescuing hostages - and a list of tasks they have to accomplish in order to do so. Exercises will be modified to individuals' fitness levels, she said, and participants should come dressed for the weather.

"We'll make sure everybody is able to complete it," she said. "It'll absolutely be fun."

All donations collected Sunday will go to Holiday with a Hero, as will proceeds from T-shirt sales, available at the online store carsoncitycrossfit.com, through Dec. 14.

To sign up for the workout, email Larson at jill@carsoncitycrossfit.com.