By Darrel Wheeler, Contributing Writer
The Nice Guys non-profit used the east side of the Balboa Park parking lot last Saturday to host their free 32nd Annual Joy-to-the-World Christmas experience. The organization filled a section of the parking lot with invitees, family, friends, and volunteers, creating a very friendly and festive atmosphere.
The all-things-free event featured toys, take-home bags of groceries, vendor booths, arts and crafts, hotdogs, Starbucks drinks, and an appearance by Santa Claus and the Grinch. Add a stage for live entertainment, 100-dollar gift cards for invitees, and other goodies and you have all you need to host a successful Christmas event.
The Never Leave One Behind organization, because of its long-standing relationship with the Nice Guys, was able to invite families to the big holiday invitational.
The super-duper Nice Guys transformed the lively lot into an all-you-can-eat buffet, a Toys R Us concert, and a joy-to-the-world holiday reunion.
“I’ve been dealing with them for years,” said Larry Price, “They always do a great job with their events. They make sure they have plenty [to give] away, and their name fits them because they are nice guys that really care about people.”
Saturday, December 14th was proclaimed “The San Diego Nice Guys Day” by the County of San Diego.
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