KO Toy Giveaway in East L.A.
Christmas came early for thousands of kids in East Los Angeles as the 30th Annual “Miracle on 1st Street” invaded the gritty Southland streets this past weekend.
I witnessed many “miracles” taking place as Santa and his helpers brought smiles to the families waiting in long lines that snaked around the storied building of the Hollenbeck Boxing Gym. In place of the boxing ring was a Winter Wonderland setup with frosty penguins and polar bears greeting the children. This year’s KO lineup of “Santa’s Helpers” included Daniel Hernandez, Beatrice Hernandez, Priscilla Hernandez Munoz, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor/comedian Tom Arnold, former Los Angeles Laker star AC Green and the Laker Girls, Dodger Bobby Castillo, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, Nati Correa, George Castello, Dan Kinney, Big 5′s Rick Gridley and many others who took part in the weekend festivities.
Here is an exclusive look at the charity function. Hosted by the Daniel Hernandez family, the Hollenbeck Police Business Council and Inner-City Games, the tots got to experience a day of yuletide fun including a huge toy giveaway, two Mariachi bands, and an outdoor play area with radio stations, live performances, carnival games, free giveaways, face painting, a vintage car show, and a hill packed with snow for the guests to slide down.
The nonprofit organization brought miles of smiles to the needy families in this cash-strapped neighborhood. I noticed that this year seemed to be the biggest toy giveaway to date. Hollenbeck Youth Center’s Giovanni D’Egidio agreed with me. As we watched the babies and youngsters receive their gifts from the celebrities, Gio said that he’s noticed more and more families needing a little help especially during the holidays. He had been there since 5 a.m. to join the other Board of Directors, Advisors, sponsors and volunteers who donated their time, money or services to make this a real knockout day.
“All kids are a lifetime investment” is Danny Hernandez’s mission statement and one that the Founder and President has certainly lived up to. He and his wife Bea and their daughter Priscilla could be unanimously voted “Family of the Year” for their countless contributions to this Boyle Heights region and beyond. Their yearly toy bash and their Turkey giveway last month gave the poverty-stricken area a “one two” punch of much-needed support.
The crew of “Miracle Workers” ensured that thousands upon thousands of kiddies will have a happier holiday this year.
And this year there was even a large army of shiny new bikes given away to those who need it the most. “This has been great,” Gio D’Egidio remarked as we saw the kids light up when given a bicycle, “and this year, thanks to everyone, we had even more bikes to give away.”
I chatted with some of the volunteers; for many it was their first time at the annual event and they were blown away and impressed by the scope of the gala. A team of volunteers from Steve Mnuchin’s OneWest Bank expressed what a great day this was for all of the families–and for all of the kids.
While the Master of Ceremonies Tom Arnold kept things fun and lively, the children tried to wait patiently for their time with Santa.
I spoke to some of the families in line, some who had been there since the wee hours of the morning–and some who admit to waiting for days.
“We’ve been checking the line since Wednesday,” one mother of four told me. Looking down at her youngest son, she added, “All he wants to do is meet Santa. Santa’s here isn’t he?”
Yes, the boy’s wish came true as there were actually two Ol’ St. Nicks holding court in each “North Pole” station set up in the gym to accommodate the thousands of eager children. As the kids got closer and closer to the toy zone, I observed their excitement grow. Some literally sprinted across the gym floor making a beeline toward the piles of brand new toys when it was their turn in line.
After enjoying Christmas carols in the boxing gym, where trainers Adrian Arreola, Richard “Flaco” Alvarez, Jose “Ugly” Arreola and Timmy Ortiz usually guide the young pugilists in the ring, the attendees continued the fiesta with the outdoor events. Sampling complimentary refreshments and having a blast in the Christmas scene, the kiddos were treated to a memorable day.
Teenager Mariana Gonzalez remembers these annual events when she was a small girl. Now 16, Mariana (a former Hollenbeck “Kid of the Year” recipient) still comes to the gym to join in on the fun and show her support for the legendary gym and youth center.
Checking out the outdoor activities, I caught up with one of the MVP’s of the day, Priscilla Hernandez Munoz. The pretty mom-to-be took Tom Arnold to meet the furry beasts at the special petting zoo set up just for the “Miracle on 1st Street.”
Jessie’s Party Animals & Petting Zoo’s Nita and Jordan were new team members joining the afternoon of “miracles.” They told me it was their first time at the event and they were happy to donate their services which delighted the children. Offering the kids a chance to meet some miniature-sized farm animals, the party duo opened the gates where the people could meet rabbits, chickens, ducks, a pig and a trio of celebrity goats named Missy, Trixie and Coco.
The East L.A. streets, usually lined with graffiti, trash and barred windows, was transformed into a safe wintry playland thanks to Team Hernandez and their entire committee of “Santa’s Helpers.” Many in attendance raved about the commitment and caring that emanate from Priscilla, Danny and Bea–the family is a shining example of bringing a community together.
And shining bright were the endless smiles of happy children and the relieved faces of their parents who could forget their cares for one day.
As I went back into the gym to see how the toy giveaway was proceeding, I saw a row of beaming faces clutching their toys.
Thanks to the Hernandez clan, the Hollenbeck Police Business Council and Inner-City Games LA, thousands of kids can sustain their belief that Santa Claus really does exist.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
Photos by Michele Chong and Steve Harpst
