In the spirit of giving joy during the holiday season, PESA recently partnered with Victory Outreach Church in Arleta, located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, for a heartwarming Christmas Eve event. This collaboration aimed to brighten the lives of children and families in need, embodying the true essence of community spirit.
This initiative was spearheaded during PESA’s 10-Year Anniversary Gala where dozens of attendees donated funds for the purchase of 200 toys. Displaying unwavering commitment, Executive Director Seymour Amster and Steve Martinez, PESA’s Housing Stability Advisor, ventured to the Toy District in Downtown Los Angeles on December 20th to carefully select and procure the toys that would later bring smiles to the faces of deserving children in the Arleta community.
The main event unfolded on Christmas Eve, where Amster, along with volunteers Francine, Michael, Dr. Johnson, Mina and Ming set up and oversaw the distribution of the toys.
Children immersed themselves in arts and crafts activities, showcasing their creativity and holiday spirit. The event also featured games designed to bring laughter and joy to the young participants. As the day unfolded, the air was filled with the delightful aroma of hot chocolate, hot dogs, chips, cookies, and cupcakes, ensuring no one went hungry during this festive occasion.
Amster emphasized, "PESA must be involved in these events to make sure that those who do not have equal access to resources still have a joyous holiday season. It's always about building hope and seeing the children smile."
The genuine appreciation and gratitude from both children and parents were palpable as they received the carefully selected toys. The success of the event has set the stage for future collaborations between PESA and Victory Outreach, promising more uplifting moments and shared joy for the community in the years to come.
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