Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, along with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and other partners celebrated the season of giving Saturday by treating more than 600 children in foster care and their families to a spectacular holiday party at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

“(Today) is all about bringing holiday fun to children whose lives are touched by the foster care system and their caregivers,” said Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley. “This celebration would not have been possible without the support of all the community partners and County departments who have united their efforts in the name of bringing joy to children who are under the care of the County. My hope is that each child who walks away from here today will carry with them not just the free toys in their arms, but a happy memory that will last a lifetime.”

“We are extremely honored to be once again partnering with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger during her annual Foster Youth Holiday Party,” said Six Flags Magic Mountain Park president Don McCoy. “Supervisor Barger has been a tremendous partner and advocate for our parks. We are inspired by her passion and dedication to the community and consider it a privilege to be able to give back to our own local communities during this special event. We wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season,” he added.

Excitement was high and there were plenty of smiles as the children visited with Santa, took pictures with superheroes, rode roller coasters, enjoyed lunch, and chose free toys from ABC 7’s Spark of Love Toy Drive.

“When the children see Santa Claus and then lay their eyes on the hundreds of toys available, their eyes brighten up and their excitement is infectious,” said Brandon T. Nichols, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. “It is so rewarding to be a part of an event that is memorable and meaningful to families and we are so appreciative to our community partners who rally each year to make this day possible.”

Firefighters and lifeguards from the Los Angeles County Fire Department were in uniform and lent a hand setting up the logistics of the toy distribution portion of the day and helped distribute toys to the hundreds of children who attended.

“Every year, our Department looks forward to being part of the holiday magic that delivers joy and celebrates the season of giving,” said County of Los Angeles interim fire chief Anthony C. Marrone. “I cannot think of a better way to show how much we truly care for everyone in our communities than through Supervisor Barger’s heartwarming event and the Spark of Love campaign.”

Photos from the celebration are available [here].