Welcome to EverythingSCV.com for December 15, 2013

[KHTS] – The countdown to Christmas is well underway in the Santa Clarita Valley. The weather may have warmed up a bit, but it looks like Christmas weather will return in a few days with Christmas Day downright chilly.

KHTS Holiday Light Tour

It was great fun to visit with all the families we met on the first KHTS Holiday Light Tour! Holiday Light Tour Judges Carl Goldman, Jesse McClure, Jim Walker and myself were thrilled to be viewing the amazing light displays crafted by the many talented families in the SCV! To take the tour and follow the route the judges took visit www.hometownstation.com or click [here].

Beautiful charity in the SCV

There are so many neighborhoods that have really gotten into the holiday spirit of giving back. Make sure you bring food donations to the Maddux home in Newhall and Ash Court for Help the Children and toys to Wakefield Court. Cash donations for the homeless shelter are also being collected on Wakefield Court.

More beautiful lights

To see even more beautiful lights visit downtown Newhall on Main Street. Not only are there so many businesses downtown to visit now, the entire street is so festive I find it hard to stay away. The small town charm is addicting.

Single Mothers Outreach

Single Mothers Outreach has received a private grant that will match 100 percent of incoming donations for their recently launched  annual appeal campaign which focuses on how its programs have changed the lives of the individuals it serves. As a nonprofit organization, Single Mothers Outreach relies upon volunteers and the contributions of businesses and individuals to fund its programs to empower single parents and their children by providing hope, support and resources so families can become self-sustaining.

“At Single Mothers Outreach, our volunteers and contributors make real, impactful differences in the lives of single parents and their children, every day,” Executive Director DaAnne Smith said. “Thanks to contributions from our donors, Single Mothers Outreach provides valuable programs and services that improve the lives of families in the community we all love.”

Single Mothers Outreach is asking for the community’s help in supporting its mission of helping single parents complete the journey to independence with a financial contribution. Every contribution counts toward strengthening single parents and their families.

Single Mothers Outreach will pay tribute to each donor on a special page at www.ShareTheirJourney.org.

Key programs and services include: emergency stabilization for families in crisis; donated food and emergency housing placement; donated clothing and backpacks with school supplies; critical social service resources; and training programs on topics including job seeking, financial management and life skills. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.SingleMothersOutreach.org or call 661-288-0117.

Shop The Closet on Main Street

Another way to help is to donate gently used clothes to The Closet on Main Street or shop The Closet on Main. I’ve found some amazing bargains and beautiful clothes in the store. Visit 24335 Main St., Newhall.

What’s happening in the SCV

With the Christmas and New Year’s holidays almost upon us there aren’t too many events coming our way for the rest of the year. However, don’t miss:

The Santa Clarita Ballet Company performance of “The Nutcracker” on stage at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center on the Valencia campus of College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon. Performances are Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets: Adults: $30 Orchestra/Box; $28 Balcony; children under 10: $26 any seat; seniors 65 and over: $26 any seat.  To buy tickets by phone leave a message and your call will be returned within 24 business hours. 661-251- 0366.

Click to watch PSA

“It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Canyon Theatre Guild, 24242 Main St., Newhall. Performances of this charming family classic will be Tuesday, Dec. 17, Wednesday, Dec. 18, Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. For tickets call 661-799-2702.

The New Year’s Day Glacier Slide Polar Bear Swim beginning at 9 a.m. This free event will be held at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center, 20850 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita. Take a chilly plunge into the Aquatic Center’s waterslide pool then have your name added to the Polar Bear Club Plaque. The waterslide will be open and coffee and snacks will be provided. Drop-ins are welcome at the event. For more information call 661-250-3766.

Michele E. Buttelman is the executive editor of EverythingSCV.com, an online publication debuting in early 2014. She is also a correspondent for KHTS AM1220, www.hometownstation.com.