Las Vegas City Wire

The city of Las Vegas has introduced an initiative allowing certain parking tickets issued between October 1 and November 15, 2024, to be paid with donations of toys and games. These contributions will be directed to Chicanos Por La Causa, a nonprofit organization aiding homeless families in securing permanent housing.

Individuals who receive non-public-safety parking violations during this period can settle their fines by donating new, unwrapped toys or games that match or exceed the value of their ticket. Donations must be accompanied by a purchase receipt and delivered to the Parking Services Offices at 350 S. City Parkway within 30 days of receiving the citation. Alternatively, toys can be purchased online and sent directly to the office with the citation number included in the delivery notes.

This year's program emphasizes family involvement, encouraging donations of family-friendly, multiplayer games suitable for children of all ages. Acceptable items include board games like Candyland and Monopoly, gift cards, age-appropriate toys for children aged six months to eighteen years old, and stocking stuffers.

Eligible citations cover various infractions such as overtime meter violations, restricted time zones, abandoned vehicles, commercial vehicle zones, bus or taxi zones, loading/unloading areas, lack of registration display, parking after hours in parks, occupying two spaces, and vehicles parked for over seventy-two hours. For clarification on other potential eligible citations, individuals are advised to contact 702.229.4700.

The City Council initially adopted this charitable payment option in July 2016 through an ordinance permitting occasional programs where donations could replace payments for specific parking fines. The ordinance was amended on February 1, 2023, allowing administrative approval by the city manager.