10,000 Skid Row Kids & Their 50,000 Toys

(Tom Andrews/LAist)

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When it comes to Skid Row's largest Christmas toy party, some wait over ten hours in line; some wait over night. Fred Jordan Missions' 65th annual Family Christmas Celebration was last Sunday and it brought out the masses, with smiles in tow.

In a year of economic hardship, you'll hear the same story: donations are down, the people needing help are up. For Fred Jordan, they've seen a 50 percent increase in people looking for help while donations decreased to 35 percent. But that didn't stop hundreds of volunteers and organizations like Disney and the Sikh community of Southern California from from donating toys, food, clothes and blankets for the huge event.

There are lots of ways to help others this season. One way is with this local mission. Their Box of Hope food drive to provide Christmas dinners for impoverished families is still going on. A tax-deductible donation of $25 will provide a Christmas dinner to a needy family, and an additional $25 will provide new toys and warm socks for the children. Call (800) 964-FOOD or go online to www.fjm.org.