Gift Wrapping Event at Barnes & Noble Thursday, Dec. 4; plus, Warm Coat and CANTREE Food Drives and more

By Jody Drewery, President, Women’s Council of REALTORS®

Real Estate is not just about buying and selling homes — it’s about showing up for our community. I’m proud to be a part of the Delta Women’s Council of REALTORS® and the Delta Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation, where giving back is at the heart of what we do.

This season, we have several opportunities to make a difference — and you don’t have to be a REALTOR® to help.

First, join us this Thursday! Delta Women’s Council of REALTORS® will be at Barnes & Noble in the Streets of Brentwood (2475 Sand Creek Road, Suite 100) for a community Gift Wrapping Event and hosting Adopt-a-Senior.

You can also:

• Donate to the Warm Coat Drive (see above) or
• Donate a Gift Card
• Donate canned goods to the CANTREE Food Drive (see below)

Every contribution, big or small, helps someone in need — and with the year many families have had, from economic challenges to government impacts, there has never been a more meaningful time to come together.

If you’d like additional information or want to get involved, please call (925) 818-1977 or visit www.facebook.com/WCRDelta. Let’s collaborate and spread some love throughout our community.

Donations, 10% of specific sales support effort through Dec. 31

By Allie Packer

Chick-fil-A Antioch at Lone Tree Way has partnered with Tunnels of Joy to bring the spirit of the season to life—one car at a time. The restaurant transformed its drive-thru into a “Tunnel of Joy,” complete with Christmas lights, festive décor and live carolers. This special effort is to support six-year-old Angelo Venegas, a local child bravely battling brain cancer. Guests will find QR codes on signage and in carry-out bags, providing them an easy way to donate for Angelo through Dec. 31. Additionally, the restaurant will donate 10% of the sale of all Peppermint Chip Milkshake sales to support Angelo during the same time frame.  

“We’re honored to partner with Tunnels of Joy to help bring light, hope and joy to families battling health challenges during the holiday season,” said Evan Hawthorne, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Antioch at Lone Tree Way. “We invite our community to join us in celebrating the season and supporting a cause that truly touches the hearts of so many people in our community. 

“Tunnels of Joy” is a Brentwood-based neighborhood group dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer patients and their families. Tunnels of Joy creates holiday light displays, featuring a walking path illuminated by lights and festive decorations. 

According to a post on the Tunnels of Joy Facebook page, “The reason for The Tunnels of Joy Season…ways to donate:

1. Venmo Donations go directly to the family.  Just scan the QR Code.

2. Donation Boxes are located at Tunnels of Joy on La Costa Dr and Torrey Pines…you can also drop off letters to Angelo here.

3. Chick fil A on Lone Tree is donating a percentage of its Peppermint Shake sales to Angelo, now through Dec 31st.”

Chick-fil-A Antioch is located at 5705 Lone Tree Way in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center, is open 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Support foster children and low-income families; Toy Drive Dec. 13

By Michael Young, Hope With Lights Ministry

Come see the Hope With Lights Ministry annual Toy Drive & Light Show all about Christmas featuring songs by Bluey, Taylor Swift and more at 4416 Belvedere Way in Antioch, Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 pm to 8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays till 9 pm, now through January 1st.  Don’t miss out!

Toy Drive

On Saturday, Dec. 13 from 5:30 pm to 8 pm, come help us support foster children and low-income families by dropping off new toys for girls or boys and see the amazing lights and sounds of the Christmas Season. Treats will be served!

Hosted by E3 Realty and The Money Store.

About Hope With Lights Ministry

Hope With Lights Ministry is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy, light and lasting impact to foster children, low-income families and underserved communities.

Our main event is the annual Christmas Light Show & Toy Drive. Through an amazing Christmas light show and community collaboration, Hope With Lights highlights the needs of foster children and support families facing food insecurity. We empower these families with meaningful resources. With every twinkle, every toy and every act of kindness, we aim to build a brighter day for those in need.

“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:40

We are proud to hold the Candid Silver Seal of Transparency, demonstrating our commitment to openness and accountability. Every donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law and directly supports our mission to bring light, hope and joy to foster children and families in need.

For more information visit hopewithlights.org.

With Antioch Unified School District during Giving Tuesday Dec. 2, Disney House Event Dec. 6

Also accepting blankets, gloves, socks, hats and scarves and cash or Venmo donations

By Allen D. Payton

Please help Antioch Police help families in our community this Christmas season during the Department’s 29th Annual Help for the Holidays giveaway. Donations are accepted at the Antioch Police Facility lobby and on two days. In addition, donations will be accepted on Giving Tuesday, the global day of generosity held each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this year on Dec. 2 as well as on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the annual Disney House drive-by event.

Where to Donate

You can drop off gifts at:

• Antioch PD Lobby – 300 L Street

Giving Tuesday Events – December 2, 2025:

• Target: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Walmart: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Disney House Event – December 6, 2025:

• 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

• 3732 Colonial Court, Antioch

Stop by to see Cinderella, Tiana, Belle and the incredible decorations the Vistalli family has on display!

Take a drive by the “Disney House” with over 35,000 lights and more than 70 handmade wooden cut-outs. The Vistalli family, Officers and friends will be on-hand collecting new unwrapped toys as well as new blankets, gloves, socks, hats and scarves and cash or Venmo donations, that will be donated to APD’s Help for the Holidays giveaway program which will provide extra help for those struggling this Christmas season.

Kristen Vistalli refers to the annual event as the “Spirit & Support Gift Giveaway.”

The Vistalli’s home will be featured as a Contender on “The Great Christmas Light Fight” airing December 11 at 7:00 p.m. on ABC. (More details later.)

Antioch Police say, “Thank you for helping make the season brighter for families in our community!”

Lighted Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, Holiday Sip & Shop Artisan Fair

Deadline for Parade Entries: Nov. 28th

Presented by City of Antioch Recreation Department and Celebrate Antioch Foundation

Join Antioch for the annual Holiday Delites Celebration in historic, downtown Rivertown on December 6, 2025. Enjoy the Holiday Sip & Shop Artisan Fair brought to you by the Celebrate Antioch Foundation before lining the street to see the lighted parade go by with an appearance by Santa at the end!

The event includes the parade filled with live performers and moving floats, family photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch, cookie decorating and much more. You and your family won’t want to miss this!

Discover over 30 talented artisan vendors featuring beautiful handmade crafts, unique décor, jewelry and more — the perfect place to find thoughtful Christmas gifts!

Sign up your group to light up the night with your festive floats, bright costumes and holiday spirit when you visit our website. Prizes awarded to parade category winners. Let’s make this celebration the brightest yet! Become part of the magic that is Holiday Delites by visiting antiochca.gov/holiday-delites.

Holiday Sip & Shop Artisan Faire

12-5 pm. On G Street. Vendor Registration: celebrateantioch.org,

Lighted Parade

Begins at 5 pm at W. 3rd and H Streets, east to E Street, north to W. 2nd and west to Waldie Plaza across from City Hall. Parade Registration at Holiday Delites Parade Entry. Deadline: November 28th at 5:00 p.m. Details at www.antiochca.gov/220/Holiday-Delites-Celebration-Parade

Christmas Tree Lighting

At 6 pm in Waldie Plaza on W.  2nd Street across from City Hall. Enjoy AUSD Band and Choir Performances and photos with Santa and the Grinch.

Sponsors

Special thanks to our sponsors: Carbon Health, Republic Services, AT&T and Antioch Charter Academy.

Please note: Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting are scheduled as tentative based on weather conditions. In case of heavy downpour, the parade and tree lighting will unfortunately be cancelled.

For more information, please visit our website. For inquiries, contact recreation@antiochca.gov.

Get 2 movie passes for each donation of $10 or more – Nov. 26-Dec. 23

BREA, CA 11/25/25 – Maya Cinemas, known for developing movie theatres in underserved communities with state-of-the-art presentation, first-class amenities and community involvement, is offering 2 free movies passes for every $10 donation to a local food bank. Beginning on November 26th and running through December 23rd, movie-goers can donate at any Maya Cinema and receive 2 free movie passes (valid 1/1/26 – 2/28/26) for every $10 they donate. Donations are made through the Maya Community Foundation and 100% of proceeds go directly to the food banks supported. 

Donations can be made in-theatre at any of Maya’s six locations:

Pittsburg – 4085 Century Boulevard, Pittsburg, CA 94565

Bakersfield – 1000 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93304

Delano – 401 Woollomes Avenue, Delano, CA 93215

Fresno – 3090 East Campus Pointe Drive, Fresno, CA 93710

North Las Vegas – 2195 North Las Vegas Blvd., North Las Vegas, NV 89030

Salinas – 153 Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901

“We are thrilled to bring this fundraiser back again. This year, more than ever, our community food banks need funding support. Maya Cinemas is a proud part of the community and happy to have the resources to implement a program like this.” said Greg Heckmann, Director of Marketing at Maya Cinemas. 

ABOUT MAYA CINEMAS

Maya Cinemas was chartered in 2000 with a mission to develop, build, own and operate modern, first-run, multi-plex movie theaters in underserved, family oriented, Latino-dominant communities.  Maya Cinemas offers first-run Hollywood movies and unique content through its Canal Maya program in high-end theaters focused on quality of design, state-of-the-art film presentation technology, and providing first-rate entertainment with superior customer service.  The Maya Community Foundation is dedicated to the development and enrichment of the lives of people in the community in which Maya Cinemas serve.

For more information visit www.mayacinemas.com and for showtimes in Pittsburg visit www.mayacinemas.com/location/individual/500.

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) announced that he will host a town hall in San Ramon to discuss improving transportation and education in the East Bay on Saturday, December 6th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT.

As a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Education and Workforce, Congressman DeSaulnier will provide updates on his work to improve quality of life in the East Bay by reducing commute times and supporting families, students, and public education. He will also take questions from constituents.

“Two of the issues that impact people’s lives most are transportation and education,” DeSaulnier said. “I’ll highlight my work as a senior member of @EdWorkforceDems and @TransportDems and how I’m working to reduce commutes, make transportation safer, and invest in quality public education to make life better for our whole community.”

Town Hall on Improving Transportation and Education in the East Bay

Saturday, December 6th

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT

Live Oak Elementary School

5151 Sherwood Way, San Ramon

The event is open to the public and press. To RSVP or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. Please note that space is limited.

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 253rd town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015. He represents portions of Antioch in the current 10th Congressional District.

In Antioch’s first church building in historic, downtown Rivertown!

For more information about The Light Ministries visit www.facebook.com/thelightministriespcg.