Events help bring the holidays to the community

Due to the pandemic, the community is facing a holiday season filled with uncertainty and caution. Thanks to the community spirit alive and well in the city, this holiday season will still be merry and bright.

Headed up by Margaret Ramirez, Shafter Healthy Start has its hands in several events this holiday season. One event is the Hams to the Needy event that will take place on Dec. 17. A number of hams were purchased with funds donated by Bank of the Sierra.

In addition to the hams, Ramirez and her crew were able to put together over 70 gift bags for the seniors of Shafter, for their Caring for Shafter's Seniors program. The group will be presenting bags filled with toiletries, a pecan pie, socks, a blanket, among other items that they may need to over 70 seniors.

On Dec. 21, Shafter Healthy Start will be partnering with the Shafter Police Department in their Tie the Knot for the Kids' Sake event. Shafter Police Department officers will be delivering pairs of shoes to children.

The Shafter Police Officers Association has raised $1,000 so far for the cause. Their goal is $5,000. If you are interested in helping Shafter Healthy Start with their goal, go to 300 North Valley St. to the Shafter Healthy Start office. You can also call 661-746-8692 for more information on this and other projects going on this holiday season.

Shafter resident Javier Barba has donated toys for 120 children for a program called Outskirts Christmas St. Nicholas. Barba will be going all over the outskirts of Kern County, from as far north as Delano, to McFarland, Shafter, Wasco and other outlying areas. He provided all of the toys for this program and is also delivering all of the toys himself.