TAHOE CITY, Calif. and#8212; and#8216;Tis the season where we give of ourselves, focus on loved ones, enjoy holiday traditions and friends are remembered. Recently the Tahoe City PUD Parks and Recreation Department and the Tahoe City Downtown Association held their annual Tree Lighting and Christmas caroling at Heritage Plaza. The North Tahoe Middle School jazz band played holiday tunes, hot chocolate and cookies were passed out, Santa visited and gave the little ones candy canes, music filled the air as carolers sang Christmas songs.

and#8216;Tis the season for giving of ourselves. As the years of our busy lives speed along, we find it is in the giving our ourselves, not of things, that are most memorable. The Rideout Community Center is a drop off for Toys for Tots. This is an opportunity for members of the community to drop new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes. These toys are stored in warehouses where the toys are sorted by age and gender. On Sunday, Dec. 19, at the community center the toys will be distributed to the less fortunate children of the community.

While there are many layers in the Toys for Tots organization, the ultimate success depends on the support of the local community and the generosity of the people in Tahoe City.

and#8216;Tis the season for kind words. Even though there are gifts to be given, good deeds to be done, there is always room for kind words to be said. The Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the Tahoe City Rotary Club will assist Mr. and Mrs. Claus with special phone calls to excited children in the Tahoe City area. Those who have requested a call from Santa should anticipate a phone call from the north pole Dec. 17, sometime between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

For more information contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 530-583-3440, ext. 14, 740 Timberland Lane, Tahoe City or visit us at http://www.tahoecitypud.com and check out what weand#8217;re doing to enhance your community.