Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire hosted gift drives at both regional offices on Sat., Dec. 15, making the season bright for some 560 Big Brothers Big Sisters youth with personalized and wrapped holiday gifts. The events were made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of our community.
Sponsors and supporters of the gift drive and event came together from the education, nonprofit, business and government sectors, including:
Orange County: Montage Hotel, Garden Grove PD, The Galardi Group, PADI Worldwide, and United Sports Brand, Beach City Sports, Northgate Markets, Target, For Goodness Cakes, Best Buy
Inland Empire: Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Raising Canes, Dons Bicycles of Rialto and Redlands, Cal Poly Pomona – Student Health & Wellness, Empire Equipment Service, Inc., Hal Hays Construction Inc., Morgan Truck Body, National Charity League, Pick Group of Young Professionals, Project Boon, Riverside County Fire Department, Rozina & Smith Physical Therapy, Target, Tellus Development Services, The Salvation Army
Numerous individuals also generously contributed toward gift purchases.
In total, a value of $37,750 was given between monetary donations and gifts in kind across both regions ($21,500 for Orange County and $16,250 for the Inland Empire).
Both events were designed to be joyful celebrations filled with warmth and connection.
Orange County included face painting, a glitter temporary tattoo artist, a food truck, a paleta stand, Starbucks hot chocolate, and delicious treats from For Goodness Cakes along with two emotional support dogs, Heart and Misha, from the Paws4Students team. It was a magical day that reminded everyone of the power of community and the impact of showing up for one another.
The Inland Empire event took the shape of a magical holiday shopping experience, ensuring that children received personalized gifts while preserving the joy of holiday surprises. Parents and caregivers personally selected gifts for their children, keeping the spirit of surprise intact. Volunteers guided parents through a beautifully curated, toy-filled shopping area, where they could shop for their children, then relax with a continental breakfast while volunteers skillfully wrapped the gifts.
Big Brothers Big Sisters leaders are available for interviews on this annual drive as well as the organizations impact in igniting the power and potential of the next generation. Learn more at www.ocbigs.org.
