A Warm Holiday Morning: More Than 900 Guests Fill the Westin Bonaventure for Pathways LA’s Winter Wonderland

More than 900 gather for a festive boost at the Westin Bonaventure

On a crisp December morning, the lobby of the Westin Bonaventure filled with chatter, laughter and the rustle of wrapping paper as Pathways LA welcomed more than 900 guests to its annual Winter Wonderland celebration. The event, held on-site at the downtown hotel, offered toys, books and family activities aimed at brightening the holidays for families connected to Pathways LA’s housing and support programs.

The scene looked and felt like a neighborhood party: children choosing stuffed animals and storybooks, parents collecting gift bags, and volunteers guiding families to activity stations. Organizers said the goal was simple — to hand out presents and create a festive moment for families who have faced tough months — and the turnout made that goal feel real.

Toys, books and family corners: what was on offer

The morning mixed practical give-away stations with free-play areas. Tables piled with wrapped toys and stacks of new children’s books lined one side of the ballroom. Nearby, quiet corners offered crafts and reading nooks where parents could sit with little ones and choose books together. There were also game tables, a station for holiday photos and a family lounge where caregivers could take a break.

Attendance included families enrolled in Pathways LA programs, neighbors from nearby communities, and guests who came through partner referrals. The Westin’s ballroom, opened for the occasion, provided easy access and room for the flow of people. Organizers managed entry in stages to avoid long lines, and volunteers directed families to the stations most relevant to them.

Small gifts, big meaning for families

For many families, the items handed out were more than presents. The toys and books served as a sign that local groups are paying attention and willing to show up when help is needed. Parents described relief at being able to give their children a few extra treats, and children left clutching new books with obvious pride.

Organizers noted that the event connected families to other services in one place: information booths included details on housing support, childcare resources and seasonal assistance. Even without getting into the finer points of social services, the Winter Wonderland acted as a gentle bridge — bringing children joy now and pointing adults toward help that can last beyond the season.

The people and partners behind the celebration

Pathways LA led the event with a mix of staff and volunteers. The Westin Bonaventure provided the venue, and the hotel’s teams helped with set-up and logistics. Local businesses, donors and community groups contributed toys, books and volunteer hours, and neighborhood organizations lent outreach support to make sure families knew about the event.

While many contributors preferred to remain unnamed in the bustle of the day, organizers thanked a broad coalition of corporate donors, nonprofit collaborators and individual volunteers for making the morning possible. Their support ranged from donated goods to hands-on help managing the crowd.

Quick voices and memorable moments from the day

“Seeing my daughter’s face when she found a book with her favorite character — that made everything worth it,” said one parent, smiling as she held a small wrapped gift. A volunteer described the scene as “warm and organized,” noting that families spent time at the reading corner long after picking out gifts.

Memorable moments included a shy toddler who insisted on carrying his own small toy all the way to the exit, and a group of teenagers who formed an impromptu storytelling circle, reading aloud to younger children. Those tiny scenes added up, giving the event a tone that was both joyful and quietly hopeful.

How the day was run and what comes next

Logistics leaned on simple planning: staged entries, clear signage, and volunteers placed at bottleneck points. Organizers said they designed the flow to minimize wait times and ensure families left with what they came for — toys or books and a sense of dignity.

Pathways LA confirmed plans to hold the celebration again next year and said it will refine operations based on lessons learned this season. For now, the Winter Wonderland offered a clear, human reminder that neighborhood goodwill, steady planning and a roomful of volunteers can turn a cold morning into something warm for hundreds of families.

Sources

• prnewswire.com