SAN ARDO — The holiday spirit was alive and well in San Ardo earlier this month as Aera Energy and California Resources Corporation employees spread joy to more than 100 children at San Ardo Elementary School.
In a longstanding tradition, employees purchased, wrapped and distributed toys and gifts to ensure that every child received a special holiday surprise.
This year, the celebration was made even more meaningful by its partnership with the Food Bank for Monterey County, which provided complete pozole meal kits for local families.
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez and his team were also on hand to assist with the distribution once again, joining school representatives in delivering the presents and festive meals.
“One of our favorite days of the year in the District Three office is San Ardo’s Christmas celebration day,” said Lopez in a social media post Dec. 9. “It is made entirely possible by California Resources Corporation, Aera Energy, Monterey County Food Bank and our office’s partnership with San Ardo Elementary School. Every kid in the school receives a gift from the CRC employees and a pozole kit box from the Food Bank to brighten the holidays.”
Lopez described the atmosphere as overwhelmingly joyous.
“The pure joy and excitement was enough to move me to tears of happiness,” he reflected. “I had the chance to update some community members on key public works progress and share some hugs with old friends. Our holiday events are just getting started; this one always carries special significance for my team and me.”
As students gathered to receive their gifts and meal kits, the event not only highlighted the generosity of local businesses but also reinforced the importance of community support during the holiday season.
“Thank you Aera, Supervisor Chris Lopez and the Food Bank for Monterey County,” read a note signed by the third/fourth grade class at the event. “We appreciate everything that you do for the San Ardo community.”
