Hillsides Children Experience a Series of First this Holiday Season

This holiday season has been a season of firsts for the children who live in Hillsides Residential Treatment Services program. For the first time in many of their lives, they saw snow, made gingerbread houses and other holiday crafts, attended a live play, visited with Santa, and enjoyed holiday parties.

“During the holidays, most children go on vacations in the show, eat goodies at holiday parties, make crafts, and see holiday shows. However, for the children Hillsides serves, many of whom are in the foster care system, they have never had these experiences before until this year,” said Hillsides director of community resources, Laura Kelso. “December 2014 held a special meaning for all of the children at Hillsides due to the generosity of the many organizations and companies who made sure the children had an unforgettable holiday.”

The holidays kicked off early for the children of Hillsides on December 3 with a cottage decorating party hosted by a local teaching organization, Delta Upsilon. Next, on December 10, the Los Angeles firm Verifi threw a winter carnival for the children. The company hauled in 15 tons of snow to create a sledding hill. It also provided the children with a petting zoo, obstacle course, numerous other games, and also gifted mp3 players, Legos, and Target gift cards to each of the children.

On December 12, Maranatha High School in Pasadena threw its annual holiday show for the children. On December 13, the group repertory company at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood performed a magic/comedy show for the youth. On the same day, La Salle High School in Pasadena treated other children living at Hillsides to a holiday party that included lunch, a visit from Santa, and face-painting. On December 14, volunteers from St. Philip’s Episcopal Church did a holiday activity with the children.

On December 16, Panda Cares, the philanthropy arm of the Rosemead, CA-headquartered Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. visited Hillsides. Panda staff organized a magic show for the children, and then treated them to a dinner of Panda Express food. A life-sized Panda mingled with the children. Then on December 17, The Southern California Gas Co. held a beautifully decorated holiday party in Hillsides’ recreation center. The children enjoyed making gingerbread men, eating delicious baked goods, and playing carnival games. Each child also received a gift bag and a special present.

On Dec 20th the children were treated to lunch and the classic “A Christmas Carol” at A Noise Within Theatre in Pasadena, compliments of the Bolton Foundation in Pasadena. Then on December 21, several local motorcycle groups, including the Raza Riders, Silent Riders, and Silent Natives drove through campus bearing gifts. Actor Robert Patrick also visited campus with members of the Boozefighters MC Chapter 101 motorcycle club, dropping off bicycles for the children.

“We cannot possibly thank all of these groups and companies enough for making this an incredible holiday season for the children,” said Hillsides chief executive officer, Joseph M. Costa. “For many of these children, the holidays are traumatic because they are separated from their families. These holiday events help the children know someone cares about them, and have helped turn a time of loss into a time of happiness and thankfulness.”

Hillsides, founded 101 years ago in 1913 and headquartered in Pasadena, is a premier provider dedicated to improving the overall well-being and functioning of vulnerable children, youth, and their families throughout Los Angeles County. For more information on holiday giving or on Hillsides, please visit www.hillsides.org.