🥫 This local pantry feeds 500 families a week

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It’s CHRISTMAS Season! Well, for some of you, the Christmas season started about 3 months ago - LOL. In the Groves Household, Christmas season starts right after we get back from Grandpa’s house in Gilroy. 

Thanksgiving at Grandpa’s working ranch has always been a highlight for the kids. Think more trash / animal processing plant… NOT the picturesque ranch you’re envisioning from the TV show Yellowstone! 

In my humble opinion, too much of childhood these days is spent in a chair, in a classroom, on a screen, and/or in a fully structured environment. Being on a working ranch always gives the kids an opportunity to reconnect with the earth, see where our food comes from (after they play with the animals that might one day be dinner), and get their hands dirty. 

It also gives them a chance to see how hard the blue-collar workers of America are working to keep the trucks moving, the animals fed, and the trash we produce being processed. 

Which brought to mind a question about raising kids in Las Vegas… WHERE are kids in Vegas getting hands on experience with real-life jobs & activities. That’s a big goal of ours in 2026… to give the kids more hands-on, real-life experience AND get them out into nature more. 

What SUGGESTIONS do you have for us? Here are a couple photos of fun from this last weekend!

A visit to The Martini feels relaxed from the moment you walk in. People love the warm staff, the big whiskey selection, and the calm, wood-lined setting.

The food gets plenty of praise too, especially the popular steak special and small bites that pair well with a drink. Happy hour draws a steady crowd, and the late-night hours make it an easy place to settle in and take your time.

More details here.

A Garden Floral is known for kind service, beautiful arrangements, and careful attention to every order. Customers praise the team for helpful guidance, quick same day delivery, and little touches like sending photos before the bouquet goes out.

The shop offers a wide selection of fresh flowers, and the designers create thoughtful pieces that feel special without being fussy. It is a dependable place to order something bright for any occasion.

Check them out here.

The Gist: At TCMI Church in northwest Las Vegas, director Sally Hernandez oversees one of the valley’s largest food pantries, filling two warehouse rooms and serving about 500 people every Saturday. With help from volunteers and partnerships like Three Square Food Bank, she gathers surplus groceries from stores and donors to meet rising demand as living costs climb. Families now come from across the valley, including Henderson.

Why It Matters: Her work keeps struggling families fed at a time when more people are asking for help. Stories like this remind you how much heart Las Vegas has behind the scenes.

The Gist: Downtown Summerlin is celebrating the holidays with three big charitable programs. The Giving Machine is back through year end, offering donation options from $8 to $250 for local and global nonprofits. Kids can drop letters at the Santa Chalet, which raises funds for Goodie Two Shoes Foundation. Lights for Flights also returns, featuring glowing word displays that support Miracle Flights. A Wine Flights tasting event runs tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.

Why It Matters: These programs make it easy for neighbors to give back while enjoying the season. It is the kind of holiday spirit Summerlin does especially well.

Read more here.

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🧶 Unravel Meet Up | Library | Spring Valley | 12/05 | 12/07 | More
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🖋️ Calligraphy Holiday Card Workshop | Library | Summerlin | 12/09 | More
Learn elegant lettering techniques to craft beautiful handmade holiday cards.

🎤 K-Pop Demon Hunters | Library | Centennial Hills | 12/09 | More
A playful fandom meetup with K-pop themed crafts and spirited trivia fun.

❄️ Snow Much Fun! | Library | Summerlin | 12/09 | More
Winter-themed crafts and playful activities perfect for little ones.