Hands4Hope’s Winter Boutique + Folsom’s Young Innovators 💪

50-Foot Pickleball Court Lights Ordered Removed
A years-long lawsuit ends with a settlement requiring the removal of the controversial lights, originally costing $200,000 to install. Read more →

EDH Man Arrested on 14 Charges Involving Minors
Authorities say the investigation involves multiple juvenile victims and allegations of stalking and sexual assault. Read more →

Saturday Blaze Damages Two Structures in El Dorado Hills
An afternoon fire damaged a garage and guest house off West Green Springs Road; no injuries were reported. Read more →

Folsom Student Brings Human Anatomy to Life for Kids
16-year-old Anya Mantena teaches K–8 students anatomy through free hands-on workshops, making human biology easier and fun to explore. Read more →

Teen Turns Robotics Designs Into Published Book
Folsom teen Ayushmaan Bellum’s 154-page book features 25+ robot designs, helping students learn robotics and engineering. Read more →

Fatal Light Rail Collision Claims Man’s Life
A pedestrian was killed near Folsom Boulevard and Highway 50, temporarily disrupting train service. Read more →

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Your go-to list for family-friendly events and happenings:

💐 Everlasting Wreath Workshop – Nov. 12 | 6 PM | Swoon Studio + Co, Folsom
Create a whimsical botanical wreath with farm-grown florals, greenery, and natural accents. See more →

📖 Jane Austen Book Club – Nov. 16 | 3:30 PM | El Dorado Hills Library
Discuss Austenland by Shannon Hale and explore the timeless stories and influence of Jane Austen. See more →

🍪 Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating – Nov. 16 | 5:30 PM | Boring Rose Brewing Co.,EDH
Decorate four festive Thanksgiving cookies with colorful icing and take home your sweet creations. See more →

⛸️ Donate & Skate: Coat Drive – Nov. 18 | Historic Folsom Ice Rink
Skate for a cause! Support local families with every ticket and coat donation. See more →

🎨 Metallic Wood Sign Paint Class – Nov. 18 | 5:30 PM | Painted Studios, Folsom
Paint a sparkling vintage Christmas tree on a metallic wood round with golden shimmer. See more →

🩰 Nutcracker Performance (Ages 6+) – Nov. 20 | 3 PM | El Dorado Hills Library
Enjoy magical Nutcracker excerpts—meet and snap photos with beloved characters. See more →

🌈 Botanical Dye Silk Workshop – Nov. 21 | 5:30 PM | Swoon Studio + Co, Folsom
Create a one-of-a-kind naturally dyed silk scarf using flowers, plants, and botanical colors. See more →

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Weekly updates on practices, standout players, and upcoming matches:

— by Lil City Staff

For the 17th year in a row, a group of local teens is leading an effort to make sure kids and families in the community stay warm when the weather turns cold. This year, local students in grades 8–12 with Hands4Hope are planning and running the Warm and Fuzzy Drive and the Winter Boutique that follows it. They come up with the theme, promote the drive, sort the donations, and manage the whole event themselves, with adult mentors in the background.

What stands out is how the drive ends. In December, the donated clothing and blankets are displayed like a real boutique, and hundreds of families referred by local schools, caseworkers, and service providers come to choose what they need, at no charge. It’s a small detail, but choosing your own warm jacket or blanket carries a different kind of dignity than being handed a bag. As the students’ project manager put it, every child deserves warm clothes and a cozy blanket, but for some families and foster care providers, even the basics can be hard to afford.

There’s still time to be part of it. Collection bins are open through November 13 at many local schools and businesses, and the Hands4Hope El Dorado Hills Youth Center is accepting donations Monday through Thursday until then. Needed items include warm clothing, socks, pajamas, gloves, hats, and blankets in twin size or larger, all new or like-new. Amazon Wish List and financial gifts are also options. On Saturday, November 21, the group hosts its Blanket Making Party at Camerado Springs Middle School, where all ages can make no-sew fleece blankets.

It’s a good reminder of how much a group of teenagers can carry when a community backs them up. Giving doesn’t have to be big to matter. If you could pass along just one thing this week to help a kid stay warm, what would it be?

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