LANCASTER – Antelope Valley Hospital did its part to make the holidays memorable for about 215 children Monday.
The hospital presented toys donated by employees, volunteers and the medical staff to local families through the Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley.
“We just wanted to do something nice for the community, show our support for local families and do what we can to help bring a little bit of cheer this time of year,” said AV Hospital spokeswoman Ellen Driscoll.
Driscoll said the toys were collected during a three-week drive that was conducted from November 26 to December 14.
Families were selected by the Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley to receive the toys at a celebration on the hospital campus.
Children got to sit with Santa Claus and share their holiday wishes, enjoy popcorn and fruit snacks, have their face painted, and watch a clown make animal character balloons while enjoying festive music and games provided by a DJ.
“It’s very nice of them to do this, I enjoyed everything,” said Sandra Lopez, who attended the event with her two children.
For Marisol Cadrera, the toy giveaway was especially important because her household income had declined, she said.
“This is a great opportunity for us as parents to see the kids so happy, and we’re really thankful,” Cadrera said.
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