Posted: December 14, 2023
Santa Claus returned to the Salinas Valley skies this year as he flew into the fairgrounds, bringing toys to 1,096 children and meals to 440 local families on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in King City. Participating families, many of whom serve as farmworkers and laborers feeding the nation, were pre-selected by local school districts based on financial need, and cheered as Santa arrived by military helicopter to distribute Pozole meal kits and toys alongside volunteers.
"There is no better feeling than helping another person, and today it was truly a gift to see the smiling faces and know that we were able to come together to help our community," said Patrick Garcia, Operations Manager of Cal Water's King City District. "At Cal Water, we aren't just a water or pipe company, we are part of our community, and we recognize the importance of caring for the people in the communities we serve."
Operation Santa Claus event was once again brought to residents by Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez and local water utility Cal Water, and supported by Fort Hunter Liggett, Assemblymember Robert Rivas, Food Bank for Monterey County, the City of King, the California Highway Patrol, King City Police, Greenfield Police, Salinas Valley Fair, and Chevron.
"We thank Santa Claus for, once again, prioritizing the children of Southern Monterey County. With families from Lockwood to Soledad participating this year, the magic we can make together is growing," said Supervisor Chris Lopez. "With over one hundred elves from the community joining our partners, it shows that this is a community where we look out for one another. Espero que sean recuerdos que perduren por generaciones".
Chris Lopez es el supervisor de los electores del Tercer Distrito del Condado de Monterey, una región que alberga algunas de las tierras agrícolas más fértiles del mundo y una fuerza laboral dedicada de agricultores, jornaleros y trabajadores que alimentan al país. El distrito se extiende desde Williams Road en Salinas al norte, hasta Bryson-Hesperia y Ranchita Canyon al sur. También incluye las ciudades de King City, Greenfield, Soledad, Gonzales y Salinas, así como las comunidades de Bryson-Hesperia, San Ardo, San Lucas, Parkfield, Ranchita Canyon, Jolon, Bradley, Lockwood, Pine Canyon, Arroyo Seco, Chualar y otras.
