Pathways LA brightened the holiday season by hosting their annual Winter Wonderland Toy & Book Celebration on December 6th at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles. With a remarkable turnout of 930 attendees, the event was a heartwarming gathering of families, community partners, and generous donors, unified in the spirit of giving and holiday cheer.
This year, the celebration welcomed 240 families, including 394 adults and 536 children. Pathways LA was honored to include six community-based organizations, enriching the event with their commitment to family well-being. Collaborating organizations such as L.A. Care Community Resource Center, the Los Angeles Public Library, and Clinica M Oscar A. Romero contributed significantly to the overall experience, enhancing the sense of community.
Tamika Farr, CEO of Pathways LA, expressed the importance of the Winter Wonderland event, stating, “This is one of the most meaningful moments of the year for our organization. It reflects our commitment to supporting families and ensuring every child experiences joy and care during the holidays.” The ethos of giving defined the event, as Pathways LA distributed hundreds of brand-new toys and books to children while also providing vital household items to support family stability, including diapers, hygiene products, and clothing.
A few of the generous donors who made these gifts possible included Baby2Baby, FAT Brands, and social media influencer Francisco Carrillo, whose contributions ensured that the gifts were of high quality. Their support not only provided joy during the holiday event but also extended resources that families could rely on long after the celebrations ended.
In addition to the gifting, various festive activities engaged attendees throughout the day. Families snapped photos and met Santa Claus, while children enjoyed face painting with playful designs. Arts and crafts stations allowed youngsters to unleash their creativity and create holiday keepsakes. To add a sweet touch to the festive spirit, hot chocolate and cookies were offered, spreading warmth and comfort.
Pathways LA, for decades, has been dedicated to offering early childhood education programs and essential resources to low-income families. The Winter Wonderland Toy & Book Celebration is a continuation of this tradition, demonstrating their commitment to uplifting families during the joyful holiday season. As this event draws to a close, participants leave with not only physical gifts but with renewed hope and a stronger sense of community.
Pathways LA is resolute in its mission to ensure the healthy development and readiness of young children in underserved areas. Through data-driven innovation, they engage parents, childcare providers, and community partners to create a supportive network. To learn more about their efforts, visit
Pathways LA.
In a year defined by challenges, Pathways LA's Winter Wonderland provided a beacon of joy and hope, exemplifying how community collaboration can uplift and inspire, especially during the festive season.