Our Hope through Housing team helped deliver holiday joy to more than 700 children during an afternoon packed with toy giveaways, delicious barbecue, fun-filled activities and a visit from Santa Claus during the Dec. 16 Spark of Love holiday celebration.
Held at National CORE’s Arrowhead Grove affordable housing community, Spark of Love was made possible through partnerships by the Hope through Housing Foundation, ABC 7, Amazon, the San Bernardino County Fire Department and the Children’s Fund.
“Spark of Love is a blessing. I think it’s a good experience for all the kids involved and it has a major impact on them,” grandparent Anette McElrath said. “Some people are not so fortunate and have unstable lives, but events like this are amazing. It’s incredible that so many people could come together to put on something so great for the kids. It keeps their hope alive.”
McElrath attended Spark of Love with her grandchildren, who had fun playing on the bounce house obstacle course and meeting Santa.
Residents Adam, 16, and Jasmine, 16, said they loved how the event catered to not only children, but young adults as well. They also enjoyed seeing the happy families enjoying themselves and everyone getting into the holiday spirit.
“Hope through Housing is so proud to be a partner with Spark of Love and to put so many smiles on kids’ faces,” Hope through Housing President Greg Bradbard said. “Our intent is that events like this spark hope for a lifetime as kids see that their community cares about them and believes in their future.”