Upland, Calif. – Andrew, a 10-year-old from an Ontario affordable housing community, bought a slew of toys, sampled holiday treats, enjoyed carolers and visited with Santa at the 17th annual Colonies Holiday Miracles on Dec. 7.
Andrew was among 202 children selected by 13 Inland Valley nonprofits for the festive celebration, which featured a $200 shopping spree at Kohls, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Target, crafts presented by Home Depot and tours of emergency vehicles. Children were selected by nonprofits based on family need.
“Colonies Holiday Miracles was so cool; I had so much fun,” Andrew said. “I liked the ice cream they gave us, and I love the toys I bought with my shopping money. I got a Darth Vader mask and two lightsabers: one for me and one for my older brother, Emilio. We couldn’t wait until Christmas to use them, so we’ve been having lightsaber fights all weekend.”
The event is the brainchild of The Colonies Partners managing partner Jeffrey Burum, who is also chairman of National CORE and Hope through Housing. It is supported by The Colonies Partners, Pacific Development Group, the Previti Foundation, National CORE, Hope through Housing and Albertsons.
“Colonies Holiday Miracles is a reminder of the extraordinary power of community,” Burum said. “It’s about showing these children and their families that they matter, that they’re seen and that they’re supported during the holiday season and beyond. I am deeply grateful to our partners, volunteers and businesses who come together year after year to make this day possible and bring so much joy to so many.”
This year, a record number of volunteers joined to stage the event, including more than 250 first responders, Empire Strykers players, community members and business partners who accompanied children and families as shopping chaperones. Kohl’s, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods offered families discounts; other Colonies Crossroads businesses donated funds, food, time and goods.
Hope through Housing Volunteer Coordinator Jaclyn Murphy organized volunteers for the event.
“It’s heartwarming to see so many people come together to make this day special for the children,” Murphy said.
The event benefited youths and their families from Children’s Fund, Children’s Hope, Eagle’s Wings, Foothill Family Shelter, House of Ruth, LeRoy Haynes Family Programs, National CORE, OPARC, Pacific Lifeline, Upland Unified School District Healthy Start, Upland Housing Authority, the Scheu Family YMCA of Upland and Frontsight Military Outreach.
“Colonies Holiday Miracles creates an extraordinary holiday experience for the entire family,” Hope through Housing Executive Director Alyssa Cotter said. “Hope through Housing works with families in need throughout the year, so we know how difficult their day-to-day challenges can be. This program offers them a day of joy and eases holiday-related pressures.”
The day began with a pancake breakfast cooked up by the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Chic-fil-A, Jersey Mike’s and El Pollo Loco served up tasty lunches. Olde Tyme Ice Cream provided frozen treats. See’s Candy provided sweets. The Kiwanis wrapped gifts. Advanced Environmental Landscaping donated Christmas trees for families. Albertsons provided gift cards for holiday meals.
Kyrillos, 8, a resident of National CORE’s Villaggio on Route 66 community in Rancho Cucamonga, enjoyed the day with his mother and little sister.
“It was a lot of fun. I especially liked the arts and crafts activities – I built a little garden box and gave it to my parents. Also, shopping was the best! I got a Pikachu toy,” he said.