Faith Community Church officials are planning to continue the tradition of Christmas celebration with their tenth annual “Festividad for Christ” this Saturday, Dec. 12.

With live music, children’s gift give-away, free lunch, and a winter wonderland of snow and sledding, the church expects up to 1,000 of its neighbors to attend. The event will be held at the Faith Community Church on Meadowridge Drive, just off Newhall Avenue from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Church members will again hand out wrapped gifts for children up to 13 years old. Free frozen turkeys sponsored by members of the congregation will be distributed, and gently used clothing will also be available for those who need it.

“We strive to be a good neighbor in our community, and our church family looks forward every year to hosting “Festividad” and and sharing the spirit of Christmas,” Senior Pastor Steve Jackson said. “This has always been a free event, and we invite anyone who lives in the neighborhood to join us for the celebration.”

“Festividad” typically attracts up to 1,000 people, and organizers are expecting about that many participants this year. For the past several weeks, the church has been collecting presents for boys and girls ages 0-3, 4-7, and 8-13, and reaching out to local businesses to support the event.

“’Festividad’ is our opportunity as a church to show the love of Christ in a practical way and meet real needs,” said Mike Metcalf, who is coordinating the event. “We’re thankful we can bring some joy and hope to our neighbors this Christmas season.”

“Festividad for Christ” Community Christmas Celebration will run from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12, at Faith Community Church, 24620 Meadowridge Dr. Santa Clarita, CA 91321. For more information, please call the church at (661) 259-1741.