LOS ANGELES — This past weekend, the Los Angeles Dream Center parking lot transformed into a winter wonderland complete with all the festive trimmings and filled with over 8,000 gifts, a skating rink, snow, Santa Claus, an appearance from Frozen’s Anna and Elsa, inflatables, cookies, hot cocoa and more. The Dream Center was pleased to be able to host over 6,000 guests at their ‘Christmas Dreamland.’
An extra special gift was presented to one particular family in need—a brand new 2020 Kia Optima. They were brought to tears as Dream Center co-founder Matthew Barnett and Shawn Meaike of Family First Life Insurance, the sponsor for the evening’s activities, announced they had just been awarded a new car. This family has benefited from the Dream Center’s residential recovery program, and with this new car the family received, they’ll now have transportation to and from work.
Along with Family First Life, the Justin Turner Foundation, iHeartRadio and AM 570 also made this special evening a possibility for parents and children across Los Angeles. Justin Turner himself, the Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman, was joined by his wife to help ensure every child went home with a gift.
After enjoying the many holiday activities prepared for them, children from neighborhoods across Los Angeles—many of them bused in for the evening—were showered with presents as they made their way home. It was the largest Christmas giveaway to take place at the Dream Center to date.
“We had a record-breaking crowd as we wrap up a record-breaking year,” said Dream Center co-founder Matthew Barnett.
“It was truly a special night to have our facility packed as I’ve never seen it before. Thousands of families were able to enjoy a night filled with blessings overflowing from many of our faithful sponsors. This is a Christmas season we’ll never forget. Thanks to all who played such a pivotal role in spreading the message and love of Christ to the families of Los Angeles this year.”
About the Los Angeles Dream Center
The Los Angeles Dream Center is a faith-based non-profit organization located in Echo Park, dedicated to transforming lives and underserved communities in the city of Los Angeles. By offering residential and outreach programs to individuals, families and communities in the areas of homelessness, hunger, poverty, addiction, domestic violence, education, and human trafficking, the Dream Center is committed to enabling immediate and long-term transformation. The Dream Center welcomes those in need into our community completely free-of-charge with the resources, training, and support they need, regardless of faith, age, gender, orientation, nationality, or any other defining factor.
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Sources:
- The Kairos Company, The Los Angeles Dream Center Welcomes over 6,000 Guests to Their ‘Christmas Dreamland’, Giving Away Thousands of Gifts, Bicycles and a Brand New Car
- Los Angeles Dream Center, Official Website