More than 700 youth received toys and met Santa Claus at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside’s 10th annual Holiday Extravaganza at the Burrage Mansion on Friday, Dec. 15.
Kids from the 11 Inland Empire communities where the Club offers programs were bused to the mansion for the event, which was held both inside and outside. Club members chose a toy, heard a story from Santa and Mrs. Claus, did crafts, watched a magic show, sang holiday songs with Redlands Community Music Association volunteers, played games, and ate pizza.
The Redlands Fire Department and many Inland Empire corporations and businesses collected hundreds of toys donated by their employees and the community.
The Club was one of the beneficiaries of the Fire Department’s 25th annual Spark of Love toy drive, and firefighters helped the kids pick out toys.
Scores of volunteers escorted groups of kids around the mansion and grounds. Some volunteers helped kids do activities and supervised games inside and outside.
The Club also hosted a party for about 70 middle school and high school members at the Dennis Hansberger Clubhouse in Redlands. Each attendee got a gift card and movie tickets and had the chance to win prizes.
The event was the Club’s largest Holiday Extravaganza to date. The mansion, which is owned by Redlands native and businessman Tim Rochford and his wife Carol, was decked out for Christmas. A two-story, decorated tree stood in the main entryway, and the mansion and grounds were festooned with lights and decorative pieces – including a 70-foot outdoor tree made of lights, new this year. Tim Rochford gave out books.
“Our community partners make it possible for us to give our members such a great holiday experience,” said Mark Davis, senior vice president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside. “We couldn’t have done it without the support of those businesses, the fire department, and volunteers.”