Looking for a giving opportunity this holiday season? Sarah Nino has some ideas.

Sarah Nino, daughter of Mike and Tracy, is currently living at Rancho de Los Niños, an orphanage in El Porvenir, a small village about an hour and a half south of the U.S border. Rancho spreads out across nearly five acres with more than 115 people living on the property. About 85 kids, from infants to young adults, call Rancho home.  There are multiple houses on the property where the children live based on their age and gender. All the homes are watched over and ran by house parents who live in small apartments inside the homes.

“I am currently living in one of the dorm apartments right in the center of the property,” says Sarah. “I really enjoy waking up every day to the sounds of little voices running around and being in the center of the action. I am currently working with the 5^th and 6^th graders alongside a young woman named Lee. She speaks English, French and Spanish and is quite a hoot.”

Rancho de Los Niños exists through the support of generous communities and individuals, near and far. And now you can help.

“Many people have asked how they could support the kids that are a part of my amazing journey,” she says. “After observing and talking with employees at the orphanage, I put together an Amazon Wish List that includes some of the major needs at this time.”

Find the list at www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3L3FVZT0ANCZZ?ref_=wl_share

“When you purchase from the list, the items will be sent directly to my parents, Mike and Tracy  in Hollister,” says Sarah. I’ll pick up donations each time I’m home. Your support will do a world of good for these awesome children.”

If you’re cleaning out your closet, clothing donations are always welcome and needed. The Nino family has set up drop-off locations at their sales centers in King City and Greenfield. Call in advance. You can also call Nino Homes in Hollister, at 831-635-0745 for other drop-off options.

King City Sales Center
636 Spreckels Rd., King City 93930
Phone: 831-902-9945

Greenfield Sales Center
12 Thirteenth St., Greenfield, CA 93927
Phone: 831-902-9985

Try a little Christmas craft this holiday season

Bring the sights and scents of Christmas to your holiday table with this DIY centerpiece. Nothing inspires the yuletide spirit like fragrant sprigs of pine. Top with pine cones of different shapes and add splashes of color with a few stems of berry branches. You’ll feel accomplished and have some bragging rights by creating it yourself. If natural materials are hard to find, just pick up some beautiful replicas at a craft store and add a candle in the center to provide the scent.
For more details and easy-to-follow instructions, visit www.julieblanner.com/pinecones-berries-diy-christmas-centerpiece/

Sol Treasures Children’s Christmas Showcase

Sol Treasures in King City will once again present the Children’s Christmas Showcase. Four performances will feature children ages 6 to 17 singing and dancing in celebration of the holidays. For more information, visit www.soltreasures.com/event/ or call 831–386-9809.

Thursday, December 2, 6:00 p.m.,
Heritage Foundation Polenta Feed at King City Fairgrounds, free admission, dinner available for purchase.

Saturday, December 4, 12:00 p.m.,
Sol Treasure’s Market/Open House, free admission.

Friday, December 17, 7:00 p.m.,
Christmas Parade at Town Square.

Saturday, December 18, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.,
“Streets of Bethlehem” at Casey’s Redtail Ranch Barn. Donations accepted.

Holiday Festivities

This holiday season, local communities are alive with the twinkle of lights, the sounds of Christmas music and activities for the whole family.

Here are a few highlights of activities in South County communities.
Saturday, December 4 — 36th Annual Soledad Parade of Lights. Festivities start at 2:00 p.m. and continue after the parade in Cesar Chavez Park with kid’s games and an appearance by Santa. Starting at 5:00, the parade forms near California Gourmet Pizza and proceeds for a few blocks down Front Street. Participants will ride in Christmas-themed floats, decorated cars or trucks, on horses, or walk in groups promoting their organization or school activities. Sponsored by the Soledad-Mission & Greenfield Chamber of Commerce.

Friday, December 10 — City of Greenfield’s 2021 Holiday Celebration features a parade 5:15 to 6:00 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony 6:00 to 6:15 p.m. and holiday performances 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, send an email to recreation@ci.greenfield.ca.us or call/text to 831-236-1230.

Friday – Sunday, December 10, 11 and 12 — The Monterey County Dance Foundation and the Monterey County Dance Theatre invite you to join us for some holiday magic at the 62nd Annual Nutcracker Ballet! This beautiful holiday tradition will take place at the historic Robert Stanton Theatre in King City. Performances are Friday December 10, 7:30 p.m., Saturday December 11, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday December 12, 2:30p.m. Ages 4 and older. Social distancing and masks required. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from any Monterey County Dance Theater dancer or by contacting Monterey County Dance Theater or Monterey County Dance Foundation via Facebook Messenger.

Friday, December 17 —King City Chamber of Commerce 22nd Annual Lighted Christmas Parade. Parade starts at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, heads up Mildred to Broadway St., turns East on Broadway and ends at the King City Town Square. Featuring vehicles of all types. Enjoy Santa, vendor booths and music at the Square. Entry forms for participation are available at the Chamber office, 200 Broadway, Suite B, or by email to kcchambermanager@kingcitychamber.com