Christmas in the Park is a holiday resource fair and giveaway that provides free toys, food, clothes, diapers, and other necessities to local families and community members in need. In addition to the items families take home, visitors are also invited to enjoy free hot food, a DJ, crafts, face painting, and a real hill of snow for sledding. The celebration draws thousands of attendees each year.
“We gave out over 4,000 wrapped gifts this year,” said Bryan.
“This is always a major undertaking–we spend four days just wrapping presents with the help of volunteers. There is a lot of need in our community but Christmas in the Park always shows how much love there is too.”
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The event also features dozens of booths hosted by local nonprofits and agencies that provide a wide variety of resources and services including youth, education, legal, and social services. This year, Cedars Sinai was onsite offering free blood pressure checks while nearby the L.A. County Department of Social Services helped attendees apply for health coverage.
“You won’t find another event quite like this anywhere in Los Angeles,” Bryan said.
“We are bridging gaps between the community and local governments to meet as many needs as possible. This event really shows what can be done when we all get behind a united purpose and lead with joy and compassion.”
In attendance at the event were former U.S. Representative Diane Watson, L.A. Councilwoman Heather Hutt, and Areva Martin, founder of the Special Needs Network.
