by Dianne Anderson

Lots of snow is expected in San Bernardino – 10 feet to be exact.

Local kids will a have rare Winter Wonderland experience, complete with Grinches, Santa Claus, Frozen characters, and a petting zoo, which for many, will be their first time out in the icy expanse.

“What’s different about our event is that we have a whole snow area. They have sleds and they can play in the snow and we’re bringing it to downtown San Bernardino,” said Terrance Stone, CEO and Founder of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy.

On Saturday, December 14, the event will give away 5,000 toys. Youth 13 years and up will get a brand new pair of top of the line shoes, but his advice is to get there early.

“Sometimes my cams at the office go off at 6:00 in the morning and people are lining up. Don’t try to get there at 11:00, that line will already be wrapped around the corner,” he said, adding signups do not guarantee a spot, but they haven’t had to turn anyone away in the past.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 604 W 4th Street, San Bernardino.

Last week, turkey distributions flew by, and many other free Christmas toy giveaway signups have already sold out within days of posting. Parents are scrambling to find more.

For that reason, Stone said he held off from opening signups until after Thanksgiving. If this year is like their recent turkey giveaway with Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino held at San Bernardino Valley College, those turkey baskets didn’t last long.

“We just did 1,300 turkeys,” he said. “We did have a great line that went super quick. When I turned around, the line was halfway gone.”

At his Christmas event, they’ll have food trucks, music, and vendor booths, with all kinds of resources. Instead of waiting hours in line for a toy, he said there are multiple attractions to keep the crowds of kids entertained.

“How many times do you get snow and sledding in San Bernardino?” he said. “There’s face painting and a man doing balloons, it’s almost a carnival. Even though they have just one gift, there’s so much more.”

Probably the biggest attraction may be teen shoe swag. For some kids, it will be their first pair of shoes that aren’t used, let alone a name brand still in the box.

“We had one teen we gave a brand new pair of Jordan’s, he started crying, and we’re like what’s wrong? He was crying because he’s never had a brand new pair of Jordans that no one else ever wore.”

Up the hill in Victorville, CHAN is also gearing up for its annual Ho Ho Christmas event to be held at Trinity Lutheran Church.

On Saturday, December 21, they will distribute 500 toys or more depending on incoming donations to be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“I’m signing up with Toys for Tots, we have everything mathematically ready to go. We have some bikes, new toys and innovative things to bring joy this year. At the same time, we’re implementing the vaccine as well. We can’t go without that,” said Page, founder and Executive Director of Community Health Action Network (CHAN) in Victorville.

They will provide free COVID and flu shots. Based on need, his organization offers food vouchers or gift cards for use in area grocery stores, car seats for children, and emergency utility assistance for electricity, gas, and water, among other items.

Parents can register on his website, and must list how many children to receive a toy, and must register early as the event fills up fast.

“People are already calling to inquire,” he said.

Last week, Black parents also came out for his free turkey and fixings giveaway, along with a  special Effective Parenting Class to connect with other families on parenting skills and help prepare for the holidays.  He said those Black parenting classes are expanding, and he encourages the community to get on board for classes and resources for the new year.

Coming up, other Inland Empire Christmas giveaways are calling for early registration with first come, first serve while supplies last.

Also on Saturday, December 14, this year’s Riverside Toy Donation and Giveaway is co-sponsored with Regal Medical Group, Inc. and Lakeside Community Healthcare, promising a day of fun with one new unwrapped toy for each child that attends. They will have face painting, a hot chocolate station, a crafts corner and a free raffle for grandparents.

The community is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event to help others in need. Anyone who donates will be entered into a raffle to win a Target gift card.

On Wednesday, December 18, Never Stop Grinding Impact’s 5th Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway at the Rialto Certified Farmers Market hosts its event for infants to age 14 at Rialto Farmers Market 10:00-2:00 at 290 West Rialto Ave.

Each child must be registered, separated by age and gender, and the child’s name must be listed as the ticket holder. Same day registration is not available, only pre-registration. All children must be present with their own ticket to receive a toy.

To register for the events, see

For Riverside, see https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-riverside-toy-donation-and-giveaway-tickets-1055656520069?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

For Rialto, seehttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-christmas-toy-drive-registration-1045217893857?aff=ebdssbdestsearch