The holiday season came alive at the Westin Bonaventure when Pathways LA hosted its annual Winter Wonderland Toy & Book Celebration on December 6th. This year’s event welcomed 240 families—totaling 930 attendees—for a day of community connection, generous giving, and holiday magic.
Key Takeaway: Pathways LA’s Winter Wonderland event provided 536 children with toys, books, and essential supplies while bringing together community partners, donors, and families for holiday festivities at the Westin Bonaventure.
What Makes Winter Wonderland Special
For 45 years, Pathways LA has served as Metro Los Angeles’s leading childcare Resource and Referral agency. Winter Wonderland represents the organization’s commitment to supporting families beyond traditional early education programs so every child experiences connection and care during the holidays.
“Winter Wonderland is one of the most meaningful moments of the year for our organization,” said Tamika Farr, CEO of Pathways LA. “It reflects our commitment to supporting families and making sure every child experiences joy, connection, and care during the holidays.”
The event goes beyond simple toy distribution. It creates a space where families from disadvantaged communities can access resources, connect with support organizations, and celebrate together.
By the Numbers: 2025 Impact
This year’s celebration served:
- 240 families (930 total attendees)
- 394 adults and 536 children
- Representatives from 6 community-based organizations
Each child received brand-new toys and books. Families left with essential household items including diapers, wipes, hygiene products, and clothing; resources that support family stability well beyond the holiday season.
 |
 |
Community Partners Amplify Impact
Six community-based organizations participated in Winter Wonderland 2025, strengthening the experience for attendees and demonstrating the power of collective action:
- L.A. Care Community Resource Center Metro L.A.
- Los Angeles Public Library
- Clinica M Oscar A. Romero
- Bright life Kids
- St. Anne’s Family Services
- Karsh Center
Their presence meant families could connect with multiple support services in one welcoming environment, removing barriers that often prevent access to critical resources.
Generous Donors Make It Possible
Three key donors enabled Pathways LA to provide high-quality gifts and essential supplies:
Baby2Baby contributed products that support families with young children, aligning with Pathways LA’s early childhood education mission.
FAT Brands provided support that helped create the festive atmosphere families experienced throughout the day.
Francisco Carrillo (@kennalovescisco), a social media influencer, brought awareness and resources to the celebration, helping extend its reach beyond the physical event.
Their contributions ensured children received meaningful gifts and families accessed resources that carry them through winter and beyond.
Creating Holiday Magic Through Experience
Families enjoyed a full day of activities designed to create lasting memories:
Santa Claus Meet-and-Greets: Children had photos and conversations with Santa, creating treasured family keepsakes.
Face Painting: Playful seasonal designs added color and fun to the day, giving kids a creative way to express holiday spirit.
Arts and Crafts Stations: Families created festive keepsakes together, building connections through shared creativity.
Hot Chocolate and Cookies: Warm treats added comfort and sweetness, turning the event into a true celebration rather than just a distribution point.
These activities transformed resource distribution into community building, which is a hallmark of Pathways LA’s approach to family support.
Supporting Families Year-Round
Winter Wonderland represents one moment in Pathways LA’s comprehensive support system for low-income working families. The organization provides:
- Early childhood education programs serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years
- Childcare Resource and Referral services
- Support for childcare providers building home-based businesses
- Payment assistance programs for families needing childcare support
Pathways LA’s play-based curriculum philosophy recognizes that children develop best through environments responsive to their individual needs, interests, and cultural backgrounds. Teachers design experiences that support social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.
The organization maintains low child-to-adult ratios: 1:3 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers, and 1:8 for preschool children, so each child receives personalized attention.
How Families Access Pathways LA Support
Families seeking childcare assistance can call Pathways LA’s main line to speak with Resource and Referral specialists about eligibility for payment assistance. Applications are also available directly through the organization’s website.
Pathways LA’s Help Paying for Child Care page provides information on free or reduced-cost assistance and application processes. Providers interested in becoming licensed childcare operators can access comprehensive guides and support through the Become a Licensed Child Care Provider resource.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Community-Based Organizations
Winter Wonderland demonstrates what’s possible when community organizations, donors, and families work together. In an era where families face rising costs and complex systems, events like this create accessible entry points to support networks.
For Pathways LA, driven by data and innovation, Winter Wonderland is both celebration and strategic outreach, connecting families to resources they might not otherwise discover. It’s a model other organizations can learn from: meet families where they are, provide immediate value, and build relationships that enable ongoing support.
Get Involved With Pathways LA
Community members can support Pathways LA’s work through donations, volunteering, and advocacy. The organization welcomes involvement from individuals and businesses committed to early education and family well-being.
Learn more about Pathways LA’s mission, programs, and community impact at pathwaysla.org or visit their Get Involved page to explore support opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many families attended Winter Wonderland 2025? Winter Wonderland 2025 welcomed 240 families, totaling 930 attendees including 394 adults and 536 children.
What did families receive at the event? Each child received brand-new toys and books. Families also received essential household items including diapers, wipes, hygiene products, and clothing.
Who were the main donors for Winter Wonderland 2025? Baby2Baby, FAT Brands, and social media influencer Francisco Carrillo (@kennalovescisco) were the key donors who made the celebration possible.
What ages does Pathways LA serve? Pathways LA’s early childhood education programs serve children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, operating from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round.
How can families get help paying for childcare? Families can call Pathways LA’s main line to speak with Resource and Referral specialists about eligibility, or apply directly through the organization’s website at pathwaysla.org/for-parents/enroll.
What community organizations participated in Winter Wonderland 2025? Six organizations participated: L.A. Care Community Resource Center Metro L.A., Los Angeles Public Library, Clinica M Oscar A. Romero, Bright life Kids, St. Anne’s Family Services, and Karsh Center.
