FOSPA

Neighbors Bill Hyman, Carol Mikkelsen and Vicki Briesacker (left to right) gather on Friday mornings to water plants and do maintenance at Highland Otis Park in Seaside. Mikkelsen formed the nonprofit that evolved into Friends of Seaside Parks (FOSPA) 11 years ago, when this park was just a patch of weeds and debris. 

SHOP FOR GOOD

Many children in need from Monterey County will have an opportunity to get clothes and supplies during the holiday season, with a pre-paid shopping trip for essentials – but they also get the dignified feeling of choosing what they like, within a budget. The Salinas Chamber of Commerce foundation is seeking chaperones and volunteers for its 70th annual Children’s Shopping Tour, in which adults are paired with kids to take them shopping.

Two shifts (7-10am or 9am-noon) Saturday, Dec. 11. Northridge Mall, 796 Northridge Drive, Salinas. All volunteers need proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result. To register, bit.ly/scc-cst. For more information, 751-7725.

PARK REVIVAL

Every Saturday, volunteers with Friends of Seaside Parks Association (FOSPA) gather in a different park to pull weeds, water plants, put new seedlings in the ground and beautify city parks. This weekend, they are partnering with Blue Zones Project Monterey County and seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help clean up Lincoln Cunningham Park.

10am-noon Saturday, Dec. 11. Lincoln Cunningham Park, San Pablo Avenue between Lincoln and Yosemite, Seaside. Free; all ages are welcome. bit.ly/bzp-seasidecleanup.

PAINTING PARTY

If you want to relax and play around with paints and brushes, consider this virtually guided opportunity to paint – with fun, not perfection in mind – hosted by the Monterey County Free Libraries. Participants will be guided by Jessica Ansberry of Progress Not Perfection to paint a winter tree.

6pm Wednesday, Dec. 15. Free; materials will be provided To register, visit bit.ly/mcfl-pp. Zoom access will be provided the day before the event. For more information, call 883-7507.

HOLIDAY HELP

Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting with nonprofit Community Homeless Solutions while touring their renovated home. Funds will be used to help support unhoused people.

5:30-7:30pm Thursday, Dec. 16. Community Homeless Solutions, 3087 Wittenmyer Court, Marina. $10. Tickets at bit.ly/chs-wc. More information at 384-3388, communiythomelesssolutions.org.

GIVE TO GIVES

Read about the Big Ideas of 170 local nonprofits, and support their efforts via Monterey County Gives!

Midnight on Dec. 31 is the deadline to donate. 375-9712, mcgives.com.

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