Something Magical

The holidays at Hillsides prove that if you have courage and dare to ask for something, it just may happen. And indeed it did happen--our hope for a wonder-filled holiday for all we serve was satisfied. An empty auditorium, converted during this past month into “Santa’s Workshop,” was filled with gifts of all shapes and sizes. The task of handling the requests of not only our 66 residents, but the many children, youth and families served by our community-based programs was enormous, but without fail every one of them was satisfied. Extra effort needed to coordinate and make sure gifts were wrapped, bundled and delivered was made so that by Christmas day everything was in place for a memorable holiday. There is no way to describe this experience, but to say that it was magical.

Of course it was much more than magical, it was awe inspiring to see so many embrace the cause and, in spite of a poor economic environment, make the sacrifice to see the dreams of those we served fulfilled during this holiday season. Once again, the generous, selfless support of our donor community left us all grateful and edified. Please know that your efforts achieved your intended result of lifting the spirits of vulnerable children and their families precisely at a time when they needed it the most.

To our generous donors, great volunteers and selfless staff, thank you one and all for making this holiday season so special at Hillsides.

The truth is that this “magical” moment is representative of what we attempt to do every day in the many programs provided by Hillsides--restore hope and provide resources for all we serve to lead fuller lives.

On behalf of Hillsides Board of Directors, the beneficiaries of your kindness and staff, we say “Thank you.”

Happy New Year!

  

View a few photos of the "magic." 

Ho, Ho, Ho....

By the time you read this Santa will have already come to Hillsides, gifts will have been distributed, too much ginger bread consumed and a few too many Christmas carols sung, but most importantly, some wonderful memories will have been created. This is, of course, such a busy time of year and in the midst of all the activity, it is easy to overlook what this season is all about. But then you look into the face of a child surprised by getting exactly what had been requested of Santa and you are reminded what it is all about … making a difference in the lives of the children, youth and families we serve.

To all of you who are so dedicated to our mission and so generous with your time, talent and treasure…thank you.  Be sure that your efforts make dreams come true during this holiday season for all those we serve.

May you enjoy a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year filled with good health and happiness.

From all of us at Hillsides………………Peace!

Give a Latte Smiles and Toys during the Holidays to Children and Families at Hillsides

The amount of support we receive from the community at this time of year is very gratifying and is a big help in creating a memorable holiday season for all those we serve. All this is accomplished because of the tireless efforts of so many individuals, families, employees, volunteers, businesses, organizations, and churches.


Before we all get caught up in the whirlwind of activity, let me just say thank you to all of you who give generously to the children and families we serve and who work so hard to make this season so special at Hillsides.


To start off the holiday season, Starbucks stores in Pasadena, La Canada, Sierra Madre, La Crescenta, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock, Glendale and Sunland have found a way to reach customers and appeal to their hearts. Starbucks stores are hosting in-store promotional bins and posters for Hillsides, encouraging customers to donate holiday gifts beginning Friday, December 2.

Likewise, one local autogroup is spreading holiday cheer and bringing joy while simultaneously helping us fulfill holiday wishes for vulnerable children and families.  With the generous support from RUSNAK Auto Group, children served by our charity will be treated to special toys donated by caring patrons and the local auto group dealerships in Pasadena and Arcadia.


The Parkway Grill, Arroyo Chophouse, and Café 140 South in Pasadena displays Hillsides holiday trees with special wish tags for their customers to pick up. Businesses like these in our community make the holidays so much more meaningful for those we serve. 


Besides toy drives, businesses, individuals, schools and organizations adopt families for the holidays. We have a hundred families that participate in our adopt-a-family program during the holiday. These are families that have the greatest need. Coming together to help us give the extras like gifts, holiday decorations and meals enable us to recreate and continue traditions that are meaningful in childhood and to families. 


By fulfilling special wishes, we are able to give our children and families a few extras to help restore hope in a brighter new year. For this, we could not do it alone. I want to thank you for your generous heart and compassionate spirit.