SAN ARDO — The spirit of the season filled the campus of San Ardo Elementary School in December as every student received a holiday gift and a traditional meal kit during a special distribution event.
Continuing a longstanding tradition, employees from California Resources Corporation (CRC) purchased, wrapped and distributed toys to ensure that each child at the school received a holiday gift. Families also received pozole meal kits provided by the Food Bank for Monterey County.
The annual effort is aimed at supporting local families during the winter months, a challenging time for many in the area’s agriculturally based communities. CRC and its subsidiary, Aera Energy, operate the San Ardo oil field.
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez joined CRC employees, school representatives and community partners for the distribution, helping hand out gifts and food to students and their families.
“Another tradition lives on in San Ardo as every child in the school received a gift from the team at CRC and a now-famous pozole kit from our friends at the Monterey County Food Bank,” Lopez said in a statement on Dec. 15. “It was an honor to help them spread cheer and to see the smiles on the kids’ faces, and the happiness in the eyes of the parents as we distributed these wonderful gifts to the community today. The winter can be a tough season in our agrarian-based communities, but these points of joy really lift spirits and joy at a critical time.”
The annual distribution has become a hallmark holiday event in San Ardo, bringing together CRC employees, county leaders and community organizations to support local students and families. Organizers said the collaboration not only provides material support, but also reinforces a sense of togetherness and celebration during the holiday season.
