By Olivia Clark, Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer
On December 20, the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA hosted its annual free holiday event. Families were welcomed to a morning filled with celebration, community, and holiday cheer. Pre-registered families lined up along the back parking lot early, entering the event around 9 a.m. Popular characters including Santa, The Grinch, Bluey, and Jack Skellington greeted children and their families, and posed gladly for photos.
While the YMCA sits next to a busy freeway, the sounds of traffic were drowned out by Christmas music, festive energy and the laughter of children.
The first stop for many families was the toy giveaway area, where YMCA staff and volunteers thoughtfully guided children through an array of toys catered to their age and gender. The kids got to pick a toy that they wanted and loved, walking away with grand smiles and full hearts.
The Michael Brunker Gymnasium was reserved specifically for the teens to have their own space to celebrate, play, and be in community with one another. Toys, and beauty and hygiene products were available to anyone 13 and up.
The main event area, held within the fencing of the turf athletic fields, was complete with an inflatable bouncy house and obstacle course, a virtual reality gaming tent, stands and booths from a variety of community-based organizations, athletic games, and even a real pile of snow for kids to play in. Additional activities included crafts, building blocks, and lawn games.
With music blaring and families celebrating together, the cheer and joy of the holiday season could be felt from blocks away.
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