Sparkling snow, Santa Claus and an abundance of toys transformed National CORE’s Arrowhead Grove in San Bernardino into a winter wonderland for the annual Spark of Love toy drive.
“I’ve been coming for a long time and my family loves it,” said Helen, a Valencia Vista resident who brought her grandchildren to the event. “Not only do the kids enjoy it but it helps me out during the hardest time of the year.”
For families like Helen’s, the season of gifting adds an expense on top of mounting rents, utility bills and groceries. Parents are expected to spend an average of $461 per child this Christmas, according to news sources.
Over the years, Hope through Housing, San Bernardino County Fire, ABC7, Children’s Fund and Amazon have delivered more than 10 million toys to underserved children and teens across Southern California during the holiday season.
This year, more than 200 Arrowhead Grove children chose gifts ranging from stuffed animals to headphones, Barbies to Hot Wheels and self-care to sports equipment.
“We don’t know what kind of Christmas these kids would have without these events,” said Michael Berg, Amazon Air’s general manager. “It’s an honor to be able to participate and be able to give a little bit of joy to the children of San Bernardino.”
At the event, barbecue smoke wafted through the air as families queued up for savory burgers grilled by the San Bernardino County Fire Department and served by Amazon team members. Families created colorful art works, took memorable photos with Santa Claus, played games and danced.
“This wouldn’t be possible without our partners’ dedication to spreading warmth and joy even beyond the holiday season,” Hope through Housing Executive Director Alyssa Cotter said. “It is a privilege to work with organizations that believe the same things as we do.”