Christmas Comes Early at Annual Block Party Event

For hundreds of Redlands children, Christmas this year came on Dec. 14 when the 16th annual Children's Christmas Block Party rolled into town. Children gathered at the Redlands Community Center beginning at 10 a.m. to receive donated gifts through noon that day on a first-come-first-served basis during the event, put on year after year by collaboration between the Redlands Police Department, the city of Redlands, Quality of Life and private community members. The Redlands Police Department also gave 10 kids free bikes, complete with helmets and registration. "This is the time where we gather donations and the city can come together," said Elyzabeth Green, an officer with the Redlands Police Department. She estimated that in the event's two-hour span, over 2,000 visitors showed up to receive gifts and enjoy other activities on site. Aside from the gift giveaways, kids had the option to participate in several activity booths, from taking photos with Santa, to perusing the resource fair. Fifteen tables were set up to give out information on the various services provided to residents in the city. There was also a food basket giveaway headed by the Northside Impact Committee and kids had the chance to mingle with their favorite Avengers superheroes. "We also had the Read for Life, which is always a big hit," said Green. "Kids love selecting those free books." Green explained that each year a grant is typically awarded to help organizers purchase toys and other items, but this year that grant was not received. "You know that saying, 'It's better to give than to receive?' This was the community's opportunity to sow back into itself," Green said. "This year we didn't get that grant, so we did not have the funds we normally do. Our biggest growth this year was in community giving and the hearts of those who stepped up to make this happen. We had so many donors and private citizens who stepped up and made sure that these kids had Christmas, and it was humbling. For them to volunteer their time with the best of hearts, made it a very pleasurable team effort, and it's great for these children to be able to experience holiday joy."