Registration fees, deposits and pricey gear are pushing Sacramento families to their limits, with national data showing a sharp rise in what parents spend on kids’ sports. Local leagues and nonprofits say help is available but strained.

Nevada County offers free classes for new/expecting parents through its Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health program.

The Salvation Army distributed more than 20,000 toys to nearly 5,000 Sacramento children at a Cal Expo drive-through, pairing gifts with meals and trees this holiday. Volunteers and partners helped sort and load donations for pre-registered families.