On Saturday, December 14th, The Help Group held its annual Holiday Carnival to make the season brighter for more than 1500 children and their families served by The Help Group’s Family-Centered Support Programs, Mental Health & Clinical Programs and Residential Services. 

This year’s guests enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon of carnival games, rides, food, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, face painting and a visit with Santa Claus. Thanks to the generosity of our major sponsors The Zenith, Hasbro, Ruggieri Construction, Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, The Help Group’s Sherman Oaks Campus became a magical winter wonderland for the benefit of families from economically disadvantaged circumstances.

Longtime Help Group supporter Hasbro continued their tradition of donating toys so that every child could take home a wonderful present. Bear Givers, which sponsors the “Through our Eyes” art show every spring for The Help Group’s Village Glen and Bridgeport schools, donated 750 bears to the youngest Carnival guests. One of the many heartwarming scenes of the afternoon was watching teens from the Kids Like Me club l.a. TEEN program for young people with autism and other social-communication challenges pass out bears to the little children attending the Carnival.

Returning this year by popular demand was the “Silverlining Clothing Corner.” Families were able to fill bags with donated clothing, including warm winter coats and shoes, provided by The Help Group’s Silverlining Designer Resale Boutique & Vocational Training Center.

“The Holiday Carnival is such a special day for the families served by The Help Group,” said Dr. Barbara Firestone. “Our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors, volunteers and staff for making this year’s event such a wonderful experience for the children and their families.”