There’s something magical about the Manteca Soroptimists’ Holiday Affair.
It’s not the festive transformation of the Bank of Stockton, the pleasant conversations, stylish holiday dress, tempting food or even the top drawing cash prize.
The Manteca tradition that will mark its 37th year on Wednesday, Dec. 14,  and is staged by a small hardworking group of less than two dozen women is what gave life to a guiding star in 1987 that has helped countless Manteca-Lathrop teens find the way to escape dark places in their hearts and souls.
It was 29 years ago that a cluster of teen suicides rocked the community. Four promising lives ended in a suicide pact.
The Soroptimists — a collection of business and professional women brought together by the drive to serve the community — stepped up. They made a significant donation to help Manteca Unified secure on-campus counselors from Valley Community Counseling Services.
Support of teen crisis counseling in Manteca schools has become the club’s marquee project. To date, they have contributed more than $33,000 to the effort. It has paid dividends in keeping teens from losing their lives when dark thoughts overwhelm them.
 School officials have credited the teen crisis counselors for substantially reducing the potential for young people to make decisions that could result in negative consequences to their academic performance, future career paths, their health and lives.
Every cent from the $75 tickets that get the holder and a guest a chance for many big-ticket prizes and some delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails goes to community endeavors such as the teen crisis counseling service. The event will be held at the Bank of Stockton, 660 N. Main St., tWednesday, Dec. 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
 Helping support the teen counseling services in the schools is just a part of what the service club does.
They provide well over $10,000 in scholarships — including seven $1,000 scholarships that go to each of the district’s five comprehensive high schools and two alternative schools. Support of the teen counseling is No. 2 on their list after scholarships followed by supporting the Boys & Girls Club and then other community endeavors such as the HOPE Family Shelters.
And the help they lend goes beyond money. At least nine times a year club members participate in hands-on projects helping those at the shelters. They also man phones to help raise additional funds during the Boys & Girls Club telethon to provide a safe alternative to almost 1,800 youth.
Tickets are available at Tipton’s Gift & Stationery in downtown Manteca, from any Soroptimist member, or you can also call 985-3186.

Drive thru nativity
Friday & Saturday
The 20th annual Drive-thru Living Nativity is being staged Friday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec. 10, in the parking lot at Sequoia Heights Baptist Church, 1050 S. Union Road.
The free event takes place both nights from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information call 823.2089.

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.

Stuff the Bus
for Kids’ Sake
You are invited to bring an unwrapped toy for the annual Stuff the Bus for Kids’ Sake toy, coat and food drive this Saturday, Dec. 10, from noon to 5 p.m., at the Manteca Wal-Mart on South Main Street.
If you can’t make the 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.
 
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com