Manteca’s traditional lighting of the city Christmas tree on Thursday, Dec. 1, kicks off an evening of holiday fun at the Civic Center.
The 6:30 p.m. tree lighting hosted by Mayor Steve DeBrum and Veronica DeBrum takes place in front of the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St. Those attending are invited to bring a homemade ornament to hang on the tree. There will be music and entertainment.
At 7 p.m., the festivities move to the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane.
The free activities include children’s games, face-painting, craft stations, story time, local entertainment, cookies and hot chocolate, and live music as well as photos with Santa.
Those attending are invited to bring an unwrapped toy for the annual Stuff the Bus for Kids’ Sake toy, coat and food drive.
All items donated benefit Manteca Unified School District students and their families in Manteca, French Camp, and Weston Ranch communities.
The Stuff the Bus drop-off dates and locations are:
uSaturday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Manteca Trailer & Motorhome, Vasconcellos and East Yosemite avenues.
uSaturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Manteca Wal-Mart on South Main Street.
uSunday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Manteca Wal-Mart on South Main Street.
uSaturday, Dec. 10, from noon to 5 p.m., at the Manteca Wal-Mart on South Main Street.
If you can’t make a stop, there are barrels at the Manteca Senior Center, Manteca Unified School District office, all Manteca fire stations, Manteca Trailer & Motorhome, and Eagle’s Nest Harley Davidson.
If you are interested in adopting a family email stuffthebusforkidssake@gmail.com for more information.
If you have questions contact Brandy Clark at bclark@mantecagov.com or call (209) 456.8623.
The events are being staged by the Manteca Parks & Recreation Commission working in conjunction with the Manteca Senior Advisory Committee and the Manteca Youth Advisory Commission.

Breakfast with Santa
at the Senior Center
The popular Breakfast with Santa takes place at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane, on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 9 a.m. Parents and grandparents are invited to bring children ages 10 and under to the festive breakfast event.
Each child will have a photo taken with Santa. They will make an individual craft, receive a small gift from Santa and can have their faces painted.
Tickets are $7 apiece and are sold on a first come, first served basis at the Manteca Senior Center. Only 125 children’s tickets will be sold.

Senior Center
Angel Tree Project
Homebound  and/or lonely seniors who receive few or no gifts at Christmas are the benefactors of the Senior Center Angel Tree Project.
There will be a Christmas tree in the senior center lobby from Dec. 1-14 with names on a tree and that senior’s  wish list. Gift cards are also welcome. For more information call the senior center at 209.456.8650.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email deyatt@mantecabulletin.com