Unwrapping A Season of Happiness Across County Public Housing Developments

Festive Celebrations Spread Holiday Cheer to Public Housing Residents

Los Angeles County, December 24, 2025 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) and local community organizations partnered to bring holiday cheer and celebrations to Los Angeles County public housing families and seniors. The organized festivities included toy distributions, arts and crafts, refreshments, and more for families at the Carmelitos, Nueva Maravilla, Harbor Hills, and South Scattered Sites public housing developments.

Carmelitos youth eagerly picked out toys, snapped their pictures with Santa, and enjoyed light refreshments with their loved ones while preparing for the winter season. Carmelitos seniors were invited to attend a catered luncheon surrounded by the warmth and presence of their neighbors, which was generously donated by the Office of Long Beach Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk.

The Maravilla Resident Council and ELA Rising spread joy and happiness to households at Nueva Maravilla by distributing toys, food baskets, turkeys, and even provided a community ham dinner with all the fixings. Families were all smiles knowing presents were ready to be placed under the tree, and dinner tables would be filled with delicious food.

Over at Harbor Hills, the Lomita Sheriff’s Station brought Santa’s sleigh to life for the perfect photo opportunity. Thanks to the thoughtful donation of toys, the Lomita Sheriff’s Station made the holidays brighter and brought smiles to so many children. Through the LACDA’s partnership with the New World Academy Foundation, families were also able to take home groceries and create their favorite holiday dishes.

The special event held at South Scattered Sites had two celebrities in attendance. The Grinch and Santa Claus made a special appearance, welcoming families at the entrance with smiles and a festive spirit. Those in attendance were able to select toys donated by Spark of Love, drink holiday punch, eat freshly popped popcorn, enjoy sweet treats, and have their picture taken with the special guests. Other items such as clothing, personal hygiene products, shoes, and stuffed animals were also distributed.

From selecting a magical gift to spending quality time together over snacks and festive music, the LACDA is grateful for the generosity of all the community partners that contributed to making this a memorable season for hundreds of Los Angeles County public housing families.

“Every holiday season, I sincerely appreciate working alongside such dedicated organizations and our own staff who work tirelessly to host these events for families in our public housing communities,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “All the donations given with care and the labor of love poured into these celebrations create moments of pure joy to so many.”

To learn more about the LACDA Public Housing Program, visit our website. All media may contact Elisa Vásquez, LACDA Public Information Officer, at (626) 586-1762.