A Room Full of Joy: Pathways LA’s Winter Wonderland Brings Toys and Books to Families

Holiday relief and everyday needs met under one roof

Hundreds of families turned a downtown hotel ballroom into something close to a holiday miracle when Pathways LA welcomed more than 900 people to its annual Winter Wonderland toy and book celebration. The event filled the Westin Bonaventure with laughter, wrapped gifts and long lines at hot-food stations. For many parents, it was a day that cut through the usual stress of the season: children choosing toys, teens picking out books, and adults leaving with bags of essentials they did not have to pay for.

Organizers say the crowd was larger than last year and included parents, grandparents and young children who rely on Pathways LA for housing and casework. Volunteers and partner groups handed out toys and books, staged live performances and served a warm meal — turning a logistical operation into a festive afternoon with a clear human effect: less worry, more time for family.

Inside the celebration: gifts, performances and community partners

Inside the celebration, the program was tightly planned so families could move from one station to the next with little waiting. Tables offered age-sorted toys and stacks of new and gently used books; volunteers helped children pick items, wrap presents and load bags. There were music sets from local performers, a short puppet show for small kids, face painting and a teen table with school supplies.

Pathways LA worked with dozens of community partners, faith groups and corporate volunteers to staff the event. Organizers said more than a hundred volunteers helped on the day, and logistics teams coordinated deliveries and storage for the donations in the days before. By midafternoon volunteers had handed out thousands of toys and books and served hot meals to attendees. Sponsors also set up resource booths where families could sign up for housing assistance, job coaching and health screenings — a reminder that the celebration was both joyful and practical.

Small moments that made a big difference

For many attendees the concrete help mattered as much as the cheer. One mother described arriving exhausted after a month of searching for work; she left with a backpack of books for her children and enough toys to spark a few days of play. “My kids haven’t stopped reading since,” she said, wiping her hands on a napkin and smiling. A teenage volunteer said it was the first time he saw a child carry a new book home with pride.

Beyond the immediate gifts, staffers said the event opened doors. Case managers used the booths to update housing plans and enroll families in winter rental aid. That practical follow-through is part of Pathways LA’s aim: to make sure a single afternoon of joy can turn into longer-term stability for households facing housing stress.

Pathways LA’s year-round work and leadership view

Pathways LA is a nonprofit that helps people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Los Angeles. The group runs emergency shelter programs, permanent supportive housing and case management that connects families with benefits, jobs and mental-health services. Over the past year the organization has expanded its outreach teams and opened new client-centered housing units, leaders said.

“Events like this are a bridge,” said the group’s executive director. “They meet immediate needs and also remind families they are not alone.” Staffers pointed to recent milestones: increased housing placements and stronger volunteer partnerships that make larger seasonal programs possible.

How readers can lend a hand and what’s next

Readers who want to support Pathways LA can look for volunteer shifts, donation drives and seasonal events the group hosts throughout the year. The nonprofit accepts new books, unwrapped toys and basic household items, and it runs volunteer orientations on a regular schedule. Local businesses and faith groups are also encouraged to sponsor gift drives or to staff events.

Pathways LA says it will announce its spring outreach calendar soon, with more community gatherings and housing fairs planned to keep the momentum going.

Sources

• prnewswire.com