YREKA – The Siskiyou Family YMCA transformed into a real-life Whoville last Thursday as hundreds (180 RSVP) of local families gathered for a free Christmas celebration that proved the Grinch hasn’t stolen holiday joy in Siskiyou County.
The event, held December 18 from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m., saw the YMCA’s gym festooned with Seussian decorations as children and parents alike embraced the whimsical spirit of Dr. Seuss’s beloved holiday tale.
“This is what community looks like,” said director – volunteer organizer Karen, who helped coordinate the evening alongside fellow organizers Layna, Lexi, Mckenzie, Maranda, and Jean. “When families can come together for a free meal and make memories without worrying about the cost, that’s the whole point.”
The event’s success hinged on a small army of volunteers who brought Who-ville to Yreka. Pinto Bella Hoops led children through “hoop adventures,” while the volunteer team managed everything from the Whoville-themed dinner to craft stations where kids created Martha May Whovier angel ornaments and shrinky-dink keepsakes.
“We planned this like the Whos down in Whoville would,” said volunteer Lexi. “Every detail matters when you’re creating magic for kids.”
The First5 crew worked for weeks gathering donations and materials, ensuring the event remained completely free, a critical detail in a county with perpetual economic setbacks. “Our kids need to see that Yreka is more than the chaos, this is the real story.”
As families filtered out into the December night, children clutching their handmade ornaments and parents exchanging numbers for future playdates, the message was clear: In Siskiyou County, Christmas comes anyway.
The WhoVille celebration was made possible through donations and partnerships with Siskiyou County Office of Education, the Child Abuse Prevention Council, and the Children & Families Commission.
