It’s a SNN Christmas Extravaganza!

Christmas comes early this year here at Special Needs Network! On Thursday, December 20th, we will be hosting not one, but TWO holiday toy giveaway celebrations. Our first ever “Lunch with Santa” will take place from 12 pm (noon) to 3 pm, while the annual “Christmas Care Exchange and Toy Giveaway” will happen in the evening, from 5 to 8 pm. Both events will be held at the Ronald Tutor Grand Ballroom on the campus of the University of Southern California.

The events have reached capacity. We are expecting to host over 1,500 children, young teens, and their families over the two events. Thousands of toys will be given out, including sensory toys for children with autism and related developmental disabilities. Additionally, there will be meals, meet and greet with Santa and his elves, music, holiday arts and crafts, games, and special door prizes and raffles.

Having consistently gained popularity, our Christmas celebration drew a crowd of over 600 attendees last year, up from just 200 in 2010. This year, our decision to host a 2nd event came after our annual event reached capacity just three days after registration opened.

Thank you to our generous sponsors and partners: El Pollo Loco, Walmart, AT&T, CBS2/KCAL9, Monica Holloway, Sister Spice Ministries, Beta Gamma Nu, Aisha and Quincy Smith, Assemblymember Holly Mitchell, CHips for Kids, USC Joint Educational Project, and Farmers.

“We are thankful to have the resources and support from our sponsors and community partners to host a second Christmas event,” said President & Founder Areva Martin Esq., “This is truly a community effort at bringing Christmas to more people.”

Want to join in on the effort? We are still collecting toys for our families! To make a donation, please contact us by email at info@specialneedsnetwork.org or by phone at 213-389-7100.