The Youth Alliance will be participating in La Posada at the Rancho Park Neighborhood Center, 1200 Rancho Drive, on Wednesday, at 3:30 p.m. The Mexican Christmas tradition celebrates the nine days of La Posada (or the Lodging) from Dec. 16 through Christmas Eve. On each night, a home is selected, where the doors open to all with an invitation for refreshments, caroling and dancing.
Participants include Rancho Park “Drop Zone” after school programs youth, boys, and girls between the ages of 6-14. This evening will start with participants walking together through the neighborhood knocking on doors to involve the community in Christmas carols, filling the Rancho apartments with the introduction of the holiday’s warmth.
Following the gift of song, CASA Kids Club participants ages 6-11 will celebrate by competing to see who can be the first to break open the Piñata and discover the contents spilling out while they eagerly collect the prizes. Santa Claus will be making an appearance to pass out gifts to the CASA Kids Club participants, followed by a holiday snack to conclude the evening’s events.
“A lot know that he is coming and some don’t to see Santa,” said Dolores Villalon, the site coordinator for the Rancho Park Apartments.
Las Comadres, parents/guardians of the youth participants, will be assisting in the event to promote family and community involvement, ensuring the safety of the youth in their community. The Impala Car Club donated toys for the children and teens to hand out at this annual event.
The Youth Alliance has been providing after school programs at Rancho Park Apartments since 1996. The partnership with South County Housing Property Management and their Neighborhood Development Department maintains a positive outreach environment that supports youth and their families. The CALGRIP grant that has supported the program this past year (written by Al De Vos, Gang Prevention Coordinator) ends Dec. 31. After this, the outreach will be contained to one or two days of homework help.
“We are hoping the community can assist us in keeping our doors open and support our efforts to build neighborhood connections and provide a safe place for these children,” said Diane Ortiz, the executive director of the Youth Alliance, in a press release.
Gifts are always needed for many of the families served. One family in particular, didn’t have enough resources to have a Christmas tree or presents since the majority of their household income pays for rent and food. Staff members were able to get a Christmas tree donated.
“The family was overjoyed,” Ortiz said. “We are still in need of warm jackets, holiday decorations, food gift cards, and gifts for children and teens. Together we can help these families have a wonderful holiday and share how much the community cares for them.”
For more on giving a gift for the holiday party, call Villalon at 636-2853.
The Youth Alliance, which provides a variety of services in addition to the after school programs, also provides a number of ways to give to the agency. To donate to the Youth Alliance, visit http://www.youthall.org/
Community Solutions seeks donations
“We don’t really get donations in Hollister,” said Debbie Ruiz, a program manager for Community Solutions. “We get some grants from a holiday giving program. But I noticed this year we have more people saying they need stuff.”
She said while she was speaking with a staff member from the Youth Alliance, they also acknowledged that they were struggling to get gifts for a holiday party they host each year.
Community Solutions provides support to residents who are dealing with sexual assault or domestic violence. Nichole Parker, the communications manager, said the biggest needs for their clients include gift cards to purchase jackets; backpacks; art and school supplies; umbrellas; grocery gift cards and toys for children.
The agency serves both adults and children. The group also accepts donations to support the services offered throughout the year.
Community Solutions, which provides resources to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, can also use monetary donations. To donate, visit www.communitysolutions.org.
