SoHum Organizations Keep the Lights on and the Toys Coming for Christmas

Garberville was alight with holiday spirit on Saturday, December 18th as the Southern Humboldt Community stepped out to celebrate and support local youth. Local organizations hosted toy giveaways and fundraisers while the Lighted Parade and Small Town Christmas events enticed community members into town.

Early in the day, Kiwanis of the Redwoods held their annual Toys for Tots giveaway at the New Hope Church. One of the many volunteers, Hallie Mayhew, Great-Granddaughter of long-time KOTR member, John Earp, helped parents pick out new gifts for their children at the giveaway. 

“The volunteer gene must have made its way through the entire family,” said Earp. “[Hallie] loves shopping for the other kids, and she likes helping the parents at the giveaway [to] pick out toys. She really gets a thrill out of that… and I get a thrill out of watching her.”

The organization has been providing toys for at-need youth of Southern Humboldt and Northern Mendocino since 1992. This year the organization provided gifts for over 242 local children.

Kiwanis members and volunteer Hallie Mayhew purchase toys for local youth. [Photo provided by John Earp]

“Small Town Christmas is an opportunity to bring people to town and encourage them to shop locally,” explained Leann Greene, Executive Director of the Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber enlisted various organizations and attractions to encourage a large turn-out. Horse-drawn carriage rides were available by Old Town Carriage for those wanting to enjoy a ride through town. The newly opened Il Forno Bakery hosted Santa Claus meet and greets with hot cocoa and cookies for children, while next door, the local 4-H Club hosted a bake sale.

Santa waits for the Children to Visit at Il Forno Bakery. [Photo provided by Chris Valk]

As part of Small Town Christmas, local merchants stayed open a little later and offered sales for Holiday shoppers, including the seasonal Pop-Up Shop. The Pop-Up Shop offers a wide-variety of gift-giving options from local artisans during the holiday season in a space provided by Garden of Beadin’ owner, Charlotte Silverstein.

Local Artisan Gifts for Sale at Chamber Pop-Up Shop. [Photo provided by Linda Winkler]

After the sun went down, sirens sounded, signaling the arrival of the 16th Annual Lighted Parade. Nineteen decorated vehicles paraded through Redway and Garberville, even swinging past the Cedar Street Senior Apartments and the Jerold Phelps Hospital for those unable to make it down to the main street. 

The Soroptimist International of the Redwoods’ event was sponsored by GR Wilcox Enterprises, Underwood Drive Thru Tree Park, Barnum Timber, Karen Miclette Insurance, Bootleg & Bootleg Trucking, Clover Willison Insurance, Crickett Trips Transport, Clary’s Auto Parts, Boldt’s Commercial Fishing, Whitethorn Construction, SoHum Health, Redway True Value/Parksinson’s, Humboldt House Inn, and before he passed, Harold Mendes. Without the community’s support, the club would not be able to provide women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. 

Winners of the 16th Annual Lighted Parade. [Photo provided by Soroptimist International of the Redwoods Facebook Page]

Tractor in the Lighted Parade. [Photo provided by Mindi Contreras]

If you’d like to join Soroptimist International of the Redwoods or Kiwanis of the Redwoods, visit their websites or talk to local members. 

The Pop-Up Shop will be open for last minute holiday gifts December 23rd & 24th, 10am – 5pm.