Toy giveaway brings early Christmas joy to Boyle Heights

On Thursday, December 18, hundreds of children from underrepresented and newcomer families will celebrate an early Christmas and receive gifts at the annual community event hosted by the Weingart East Los Angeles (WELA) YMCA.

For more than 10 years the organization has brought holiday cheer to families in their community through their annual toy giveaway. “This event is one of our most impactful annual traditions, providing joy, hope and essential support to hundreds of children and families in East Los Angeles during the holiday season. With strong community partnerships and the generosity of our donors, we’re able to make the holidays brighter for families who need it most,” the YMCA shared with CALÓ News.

The WELA YMCA location has been the epicenter of Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles communities, which the majority are Latino. Since 2020 the WELA YMCA has impacted the community through:

-Distributing eight million+ pounds of food

-Facilitating over $2 million in rent relief 

-Spearheading learning recovery programs for 450+ young students

-Engaged thousands of youth through the Youth Institute Program, Youth & Government Leadership, and Girls in Golf

Now more than ever, the organization’s work is crucial to families in Boyle Heights. However, without the support of community partners such as Enterprise Bank, the City of Los Angeles Council District 14, Athens Services, Adventist Health White Memorial, L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Soli, and many other community members and organizations, this work would not be possible during the holiday season. 

Be sure to bring your family, neighbors, and friends to this free and fun Christmas event.

When: Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Where: Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA, 2900 Whittier Blvd, LA, CA 90023.