LOS ANGELES, Calif.– Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA partnered with Sen. Kevin De Leon, the California Highway Patrol, Panda Express and SCE Federal Credit Union to ensure thousands of children in East Los Angeles received gifts and stuffed stockings this holiday season. More than 3,000 kids from ages six-months to 13 opened gifts, enjoyed hot chocolate, Panda Express restaurant treats, a personal visit from Santa and listened to a choir singing holiday favorites.
“Every child deserves to have a wonderful holiday season,” said Nancy Ryerson, SCE Federal Credit Union member donated $10,000 worth of toys this year. “I remember a little boy from last year who wrote a note thanking and blessing me for the toys I gave. My heart was overflowing with joy knowing that I brightened at least one kid’s Christmas.”
Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA and SCE Federal Credit Union collected gifts at Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA.
“Purchasing radio controlled cars, dolls and games was so much fun. It made me feel like a kid again,” said Ryerson, a retired East LA social worker whose donations now total more than $30,000 worth of toys to the event.
Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA serves more than 40,000 families each year and believes investment in the largely immigrant Latino community of Boyle Heights/East Los Angeles through innovative programming and services leads to greater health and wellness, youth empowerment and strengthened families.
“We’re fortunate to partner with SCE Federal Credit Union, which has such a great track record in the local communities they serve,” said Samuel Robles, Executive Director, Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA. “With the credit union, we hope to continually improve our communities through financial enrichment programs at the Y, and being introduced to members like Nancy, who has an amazing, giving-heart, is truly a blessing.”
SCE FCU has been supporting residents of Southern California for more than 60 years. SCE FCU’s nonprofit 501(c)(3), the Center for Financial Empowerment, will be contributing financial wellness classes at select YMCA locations in Los Angeles throughout 2016.
“The simple donation of time, financial education, or a toy can have a significant impact on children,” said Dennis Huber, President and CEO, SCE Federal Credit Union. “It’s about helping our local communities and the families we serve succeed.”