by Breeanna Jent on 2013-12-23
For hundreds of Redlands children, Christmas this year came on Dec. 14 when the 16th annual Children's Christmas Block Party rolled into town.
Children gathered at the Redlands Community Center beginning at 10 a.m. to receive donated gifts through noon that day on a first-come-first-served basis during the event, put on year after year by collaboration between the Redlands Police Department, the city of Redlands, Quality of Life and private community members. The Redlands Police Department also gave 10 kids free bikes, complete with helmets and registration.
"This is the time where we gather donations and the city can come together," said Elyzabeth Green, an officer with the Redlands Police Department. She estimated that in the event's two-hour span, over 2,000 visitors showed up to receive gifts and enjoy other activities on site.
Aside from the gift giveaways, kids had the option to participate in several activity booths, from taking photos with Santa, to perusing the resource fair. Fifteen tables were set up to give out information on the various services provided to residents in the city. There was also a food basket giveaway headed by the Northside Impact Committee and kids had the chance to mingle with their favorite Avengers superheroes.
"We also had the Read for Life, which is always a big hit," said Green. "Kids love selecting those free books."
Green explained that each year a grant is typically awarded to help organizers purchase toys and other items, but this year that grant was not received.
"You know that saying, 'It's better to give than to receive?' This was the community's opportunity to sow back into itself," Green said. "This year we didn't get that grant, so we did not have the funds we normally do. Our biggest growth this year was in community giving and the hearts of those who stepped up to make this happen. We had so many donors and private citizens who stepped up and made sure that these kids had Christmas, and it was humbling. For them to volunteer their time with the best of hearts, made it a very pleasurable team effort, and it's great for these children to be able to experience holiday joy."
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Annual Children’s Xmas Block Party
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Google Map
Event Location: Redlands Community Center
Address: 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Redlands CA 92373
Description: To noon. Toys, food, bicycles, games and crafts, all donated from local residents, businesses and organizations.
CONTACT INFO
Phone: Officer Elyzabeth Green 909-798-7534 x 2
City to celebrate 15th Annual Christmas Block Party
The Redlands Police Department will hold its 15th Annual Christmas Block Party Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Redlands Community Center. This year’s party will focus on the City’s 125th year celebration with the theme, “Celebrating 125 years, A City that Gives.”
In light of the economic climate and the increasing need of families, the annual Christmas Party was created to assist families who are unable to enjoy the luxuries of a traditional Christmas celebration, particularly providing toys and presents for their children. Considering the number of low-income families, those in need and those who are unemployed in Redlands, the Redlands Police Department, Quality of Life Department, local businesses and numerous volunteers have come together each year to assist local families.
This year’s block party will provide toys, food, bicycles, games and crafts to children. The Annual Block Party is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Redlands Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Between 3,000 and 5,000 families attend this event each year. For many of the children, this will be the only “Christmas” they receive.
In addition to providing gifts, donated by various community groups, the celebration will also provide youth and children the opportunity to showcase their talents. Contests will be conducted throughout the event.
For additional information on the Children’s Christmas Block Party, contact Officer Elyzabeth Green at (909) 798-7534 ext 2 or email her at egreen@redlandspolice.org.