Christmas Comes Early at Annual Block Party Event by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ MARCH ►
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events

Christmas Comes Early at Annual Block Party Event

By Breeanna Jent, Community Writer
December 23, 2013 at 05:02pm. Views: 38

For hundreds of Redlands children, Christmas this year came on Dec. 14 when the 16th annual Children's Christmas Block Party rolled into town. Children gathered at the Redlands Community Center beginning at 10 a.m. to receive donated gifts through noon that day on a first-come-first-served basis during the event, put on year after year by collaboration between the Redlands Police Department, the city of Redlands, Quality of Life and private community members. The Redlands Police Department also gave 10 kids free bikes, complete with helmets and registration. "This is the time where we gather donations and the city can come together," said Elyzabeth Green, an officer with the Redlands Police Department. She estimated that in the event's two-hour span, over 2,000 visitors showed up to receive gifts and enjoy other activities on site. Aside from the gift giveaways, kids had the option to participate in several activity booths, from taking photos with Santa, to perusing the resource fair. Fifteen tables were set up to give out information on the various services provided to residents in the city. There was also a food basket giveaway headed by the Northside Impact Committee and kids had the chance to mingle with their favorite Avengers superheroes. "We also had the Read for Life, which is always a big hit," said Green. "Kids love selecting those free books." Green explained that each year a grant is typically awarded to help organizers purchase toys and other items, but this year that grant was not received. "You know that saying, 'It's better to give than to receive?' This was the community's opportunity to sow back into itself," Green said. "This year we didn't get that grant, so we did not have the funds we normally do. Our biggest growth this year was in community giving and the hearts of those who stepped up to make this happen. We had so many donors and private citizens who stepped up and made sure that these kids had Christmas, and it was humbling. For them to volunteer their time with the best of hearts, made it a very pleasurable team effort, and it's great for these children to be able to experience holiday joy."

Related Articles

Rancho Family Medical Group Strengthens Community Care With Moreno Valley Expansion
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:26pm. Views: 344

A modern storefront shows Rancho Family Medical Group’s new clinic, with signs reading “Primary Care Coming Soon” above glass doors decorated with blue and white balloons. Rancho Family Medical Group’s newest clinic is at The District, on Hemlock Avenue.

Redlands East Valley HS Athlete of the Week: Brayden Dismang
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 04:36pm. Views: 248

17 years old, Brayden Dismang this weeks Athlete of the Week for Redlands East Valley HS is already making a strong impression both in the classroom and on the baseball field. A Junior maintains an impressive 3.9 grade point average while balancing the demands of academics, athletics, and work.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Lucas Palos
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 04:08pm. Views: 273

Lucas Palos is 17 years old and currently a Senior at Grand Terrace High School. Lucas has earned Principal’s Honor Roll twice, helped lead his teams to league championships in both baseball and football, And is this weeks Athlete of the week.

FARSB STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY HEALTH THROUGH “FOOD AS MEDICINE” PARTNERSHIP
Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America® Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB)

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:04pm. Views: 543

FARSB, Anthem Blue Cross Foundation and Feeding America highlight how nutritious food supports better health during National Nutrition Month®

A US Town Where Residents Live Significantly Longer
Photo Courtesy of: Mayor Phill Dupper

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 435

Beautiful view of Loma Linda California.

Dog Park Closure Announced in Grand Terrace for Maintenance Work
Photo Courtesy of: Designed by Freepik

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 265

The Grand Terrace Dog Park will be closed from March 18, 2026, through April 22, 2026. During the closure period, residents are encouraged to seek alternative locations for outdoor pet activities.

You're Invited: Loveland Church Celebrates Easter Sunday
Photo Courtesy of: Carl M. Dameron

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 341

Rev. Chuck Singleton, senior pastor at Loveland Church, at the Third Annual Reparations Summit held at Loveland Church.  Easter service at Loveland Church is called “Celebrate the Light Of The World!” in Fontana, Santa Monica, and Victorville, and will be on Sunday, April 5. 6:00 am Sonrise service, 7:30 am, and 10:30 am, live at LovelandChurch.org.

Moreno Valley Dealership Hits the Gas on Growth with Major Service Center Expansion
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Brian Mohan, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 464

On Thursday, March 12, Mayor Cabrera and members of the City Council attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Car Pros Kia Moreno Valley, which completed a $2.25 million expansion of its service center doubling its service capacity and further strengthening the dealership’s role as one of the top-performing Kia retailers in the nation.

Hot Weather Ahead: Safety Tips
Photo Courtesy of: Designed by Freepik

By San Bernardino County, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 301

A woman stands in the kitchen smiling, while she holds a glass of water.

6 People Hospitalized After Disastrous Single-Vehicle Crash on State Route 60 and Nason Street
Photo Courtesy of: ONSCENE.TV

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 189

At approximately 10:15pm on March 8th, 2026, California Highway Patrol officers and Cal Fire Riverside County crews responded to a reported solo vehicle rollover crash on eastbound State Route 60 east of Nason Street in Moreno Valley.

4th Grader Becomes Dual Enrolled College Student at San Bernardino Valley College
Photo Courtesy of: KTLA5

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 269

Honey Cooper is pictured reading at Kimbark Elementary School in San Bernardino, California.

OSRX, Inc. Announces Sponsorship of Rising Inland Empire Motorsports Prodigy Truly Adams
Photo Courtesy of: Truly Adams

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

March 17, 2026 at 05:05pm. Views: 306

Truly "The Truth" Adams official sponsorship annoucement with OSRX.

--> -->