Families Together and volunteers play elves to make giant toy giveaway magic

Like so many parents on Christmas Eve, volunteers hunkered down reading directions, putting together bikes and toys that had “some assembly required.”

Lists were checked, gifts were organized as the Anaheim Convention Center got a sprinkling of Christmas magic Friday ahead of a giant giveaway planned Saturday, Dec. 20, by Families Together of Orange County.

Some 30,000 gifts are expected to be distributed throughout the day, with families that preregistered for the “Christmas Together” event enjoying holiday entertainment and photos with Santa Claus.

More than 130 volunteers helped on Friday to prepare for the festivities and the giveaway had support from the city of Anaheim, CalOptima Health, Labcorp and First Citizens Bank.

This is the 20th year the nonprofit has helped ensure local children enjoy some holiday cheer — it did take a year off in 2024. The rest of the year, Families Together helps provide comprehensive care to vulnerable communities at its community clinics and wellness center.

“This has been a challenging year for many families in Orange County,” Alexander Rossel, CEO of Families Together of Orange County, said in a statement. “As a community health center, we see firsthand how rising costs affect the well-being of the families we serve. Christmas Together is an extension of our mission, and a way to bring a little light and joy during a time when many parents are under tremendous pressure.”