SAN ARDO — Local oil company Aera Energy and several of its business partners made the holidays brighter for five San Ardo families, including 18 children ranging in ages from 18 months to 16 years.
On. Dec. 17, the families received gifts of clothing, toys and household items, including jackets, blankets, games, dolls, six bikes with helmets and even a microwave.
“At our request, the families provided a ‘wish list’ of items big and small. Then our oil field family opened their hearts and went to work making those wishes a reality,” said Kathy Miller, Aera public affairs coordinator for Monterey County. “When we walked into a home with armloads of gifts and placed them under the Christmas tree, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. This is a very special project for our company and the community.”
Oil field employees purchased, wrapped and delivered the gifts. This year one family had a special request: a bed for a 12-year-old girl. Oil field service company HydroChemPSC was the first of many to step up and make sure her wish was granted. The company also provided all the bedding.
“Our employees in San Ardo immediately recognized the importance of providing this basic necessity to a local child,” said Michael Slason, HydroChemPSC account manager. “The look of joy and gratitude on the family members’ faces when we unloaded the bed filled everyone’s hearts. Being able to share and bring joy to others is what Christmas is all about.”
Each child received a toy and a gift of clothing. The families also received holiday treats as well as warm blankets, pillows, towels and other household necessities. San Ardo Union Elementary School District recommended the families.
In early December, the San Ardo families received live trees and stands thanks to Alpine Christmas Trees, filling their homes with pine scent and holiday joy. DrilTech employee Zach Walters also purchased gifts and a $100 grocery gift card for each family.
The generosity came from all corners of the oil field, including employees from Aera, HydroChemPSC, KSI, Key Energy, Kings Oil Tools, Lufkin, MRC, Robert Heely Construction and Sunshine Metal Clad.
