The spirit of giving was out in full swing in and around Los Angeles, as various organizations came out last week and this week to help the underserved make Christmas happen for their families. Entities like A Place Called Home, The Boys and Girls Club and WorldStar Foundation lent philanthropic hands to people in need with special giveaways that included toys, food and clothing. Through Christmas giving, the organizations hope to make Los Angeles County residents aware of the other various services they provide throughout the rest of the year.
On Friday December 18, the WorldStar Foundation charitable arm of WorldStar HipHop led by Lee “Q” O’Denat, enlisted the help of some of radios biggest names in DJ Mustard and Kid Ink to come out and help equip the less fortunate and often times forgotten citizens of Los Angeles; the residents of Skid Row with care packages that included blankets, scarves, beanies, toys for the children, sanitary wipes, personal hygiene items as well as a pre-boxed meals provided by Subway. And, with the help of L.A. Barber College residents of Skid Row also received free haircuts.
“With homelessness and its increasing numbers being a hot button issue here in Los Angeles, Q, who was formerly homeless himself felt even more compelled to contribute in whatever way he and the WorldStar team could in order to better the current situation,” said WorldStar officials.
Also on December 18, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson with a $35,000.00 gift from the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers, provided toys for youth in Carson at their Holiday Toy Giveaway.
Holiday vouchers were distributed to youth in Carson by the City of Carson; which allowed each child in attendance to receive a new toy in celebration of the holidays.
“We are very thrilled that the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers will help to put smiles on the faces of thousands of Carson youth this holiday season,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson’s CEO, Kim Richards said.
On Saturday December 19 in South Central at A Place Called Home, where youth can get mentorship, tutoring and life guidance throughout the year, more than 3000 children received gift bags at a holiday toy drive sponsored by officials at A Place Called Home, DAUM Commercial Real Estate Services, Herbalife, the LA Galaxy Foundation and Starbucks.
“In a neighborhood where most families are focused on survival, it’s a blessing to be able to celebrate the holidays with a sense of play and abundance – especially for the children,” said Jonathan Zeichner, executive director of A Place Called Home. “We are extremely grateful to all the sponsors and donors that make this event possible – and to Santa, of course.”
On Monday, as it has for the past 49 years, the Ruth Moore Annual Christmas Party for underprivileged children took place at Fremont High School in Los Angeles.
“Over the years, tens of thousands of children (nearly 100,000) from all areas of Los Angeles have had their holiday seasons immensely brightened by this special occasion – whether it be from receiving the lunch bag when they enter the party, the music (Christmas carols of course) and entertainment (e.g. singers, dancers, magicians) during the party, the 20-inch stocking full of goodies plus a gift when they leave (all prepared by volunteers) – or maybe just having a chance to see “Old Saint Nick” up close and personal,” said party organizers.
“Given that this is the 50th consecutive year of this annual legacy of community giving (reputed to be the largest and oldest of its type in the greater Los Angeles area and possibly in the state), it is not out of the realm of possibility – maybe even a probability – that many of the children who attend now are second generation, conceivably third,” they said.
“The ethnicity of the children attending has changed dramatically over the years. Initially the vast majority of the children were African-American. Now, Hispanics children comprise approximately 50% of the attendees with the rest being African-American, Asian and Caucasian…”
Meanwhile, the city of Compton also got in on the fun on Monday, with the “Miracle on Oak Street” Christmas Toy Giveaway , “helping to ring in the holiday season and bring holiday cheer to economically disadvantaged Compton children and their families,” according to city officials.
The event was sponsored by Councilman Galvan’s office, the city of Compton, Walmart, the City Shopping Center, the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, the Rotary Club of Compton and the 801 Hill Street Night Club.
