For the past seven years, Connor Navarro watched his sister go the extra yard during the holidays.

Sydnee Navarro, who was Miss Manteca 2020, put together a Giving Tree consisting of gift wishes to homeless families living in local shelters.

During COVID-19, she turned to social media to seek out donors to help children and families at HOPE Family Shelter. The support turned out to be overwhelming.

Navarro started this worthwhile endeavor at age 11, and was concerned what was to be of it once she left for college.

The answer was right in her own home.

Connor Navarro, who is a junior at Manteca High, took over from his sister this year.

“He was like an old pro,” said HOPE Ministries CEO Cecily Ballungay on Thursday.

Navarro had learned from watching Sydnee.

He got his family and friends to help out – 90 in all. Together, they provided clothes, toiletries, and other goods for youngsters along with household items for their parents at the three HOPE shelters – Children, Family, and Transition.

Ballungay noted that Navarro’s efforts will make a difference to 23 HOPE families.

“It was the Lord’s blessing that he came through,” she said.