Christmas Now began in 2013 as the Great Christmas Giveaway. Because our church had a desire to fill the needs of our community, we reached out to Thomas Edison Elementary School to provide gifts and support for children in low-income homes. We included about 50 families in our premier Christmas event, where we had activities provided by Kids Can Cosplay, for the children, refreshments and time with Santa, who delivered a wrapped gift with their name on it to every child up to age 18.

 

In November 2015, we had a devastating apartment fire in our neighborhood that displaced eight families. We were able to assist with housing and furnishings among meeting other needs, and we were especially grateful that we had the capacity to include them in our third, and growing, Christmas Now.

 

Since then we have expanded our outreach to Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Benito Juarez Elementary School and the McKinney Vento Program at the Anaheim Elementary School District.

 

When we first thought of how to make Christmas miracles happen, Kids Can Cosplay was there and has been for Every Christmas Now event. Local companies and groups like Second Harvest, Blaine Event Services, and Toys-4-Tots have joined the cause to help us give back to the community. Due to Covid-19 the need in the community increased and our desire to help grew with it. Christmas Now 2020 was able to provide holiday presents to almost 300 families with 600 children and youth through a drive-thru event doubling what we were able to provide the year before.

 

This year’s Christmas Now will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. While our concern for Covid-19 is still present we have decided to return to our activities with health and safety measures in place, and all manner of heroes and of course Santa!

 

How can you help?

 

Our goal is to again increase our impact this Christmas. That means 400 families and roughly 800 children and youth. How are we doing that? We are holding five different toy drives. Partnering, as always with Kids Can Cosplay we are seeking more community minded business, groups and individuals to help us meet the needs of these families this Christmas. And because we are a not-for-profit organization, we are able to provide donation receipts for your tax returns. 

 

It’s never too early to think about the holidays, and it’s always a gift to be able to help others. Our goal is to share hope and a spirit of support throughout our community. You have a wonderful opportunity to help Christmas Now reach that goal! Please consider reaching out if you would like to help contribute. We would love to hear from you!