Los Angeles – Each year, the Community Development Commission (CDC) and Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) enlist the help of local partners, staff, and volunteers to help make the holidays a little merrier for hundreds of Los Angeles County residents.

The Community Resource Center in South Whittier was bustling with holiday cheer during its 21st Annual Holiday Basket and Toy Giveaway. Boxes filled with all the trimmings for a holiday meal were distributed to approximately 200 families, along with gifts for over 600 children. More than 50 volunteers from Los Angeles County Fire Department’s “Spark of Love” program, Sheriff’s Department–Norwalk Station, Shelter Partnership, the California Highway Patrol, and local Girl and Boy Scout troops dedicated hours of their time to bring this wonderful event to life.

Additionally, HACoLA hosted a series of holiday events at its public housing developments, where nearly 1,200 public housing youth throughout the County received holiday gifts, and over 500 public
housing families received holiday food baskets. The Section 8 Family Self-Sufficiency Program held holiday celebrations at its administrative offices in the Cities of Alhambra and Palmdale, treating over 200 families and 400 youth to food, games, music, and pictures with Santa to keep as a memento.

Monique King-Viehland, Acting CDC Executive Director stated, “The CDC and HACoLA have a long standing relationship with the families we serve. At the holidays, we try and go the extra mile to make sure even those that are struggling to make ends meet will have a joyous family celebration.”

The agency’s countywide holiday events were made possible through the generosity of the California Highway Patrol, Lomita Sheriff’s Department, Cottonwood Church, The Basket Brigade, East Los Angeles College Criminal Justice Department, and Target. The CDC and HACoLA were also especially grateful for the outpouring of support from CBFreeLA, Max Sales Group, TJ Maxx, Ella’s Foundation, Southside Church of Christ, Shelter Partnership, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Rho Iota Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Central Neighborhood Health Foundation, Women In Action Reaching Out, Borba Realty, and many others who graciously donated toys, food, and monetary donations to help give families a holiday to remember.
For more information on the CDC, please visit www.lacdc.org.