Glendale kicked off the Christmas season this year with the annual Glendale Kiwanis Club Christmas Tree Lighting on Sunday.
Hundreds of visitors lined up with their children to chat with Santa and take photos in the Glendale Veterans Triangle. While they waited, visitors were treated to hot chocolate and cookies from the Salvation Army and volunteers from the club handed out stuffed animals to gleeful tykes.
Bruce Kramer, this year’s president of the Glendale Kiwanis Club, estimated that over 300 toys were given out.
Ally Smith, a member of the East Coast Car Association, brought extra joy to visitors while dressed up as an elf with her rescued 11-year-old Maltese, Bunny.
Local politicians like Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and City Councilman Robert Holden joined the fun, briefly speaking with the public.
Rajkumar stated her commitment to serving the children of Glendale, and Holden praised the club for their service.
“No group works harder,” said Holden, who is also a member of the club. “We meet every week. This is the kind of neighborhood you love to represent. The residents are so giving and friendly.”
With around 82 members, the Glendale Kiwanis Club puts on several public events for the community every year.
“This event is definitely one of our busiest events of the year,” Kramer said, noting that the club’s busy season starts in October.
On April 15 of next year, the club will host a basketball game fundraiser for first responders.
“We have a volunteer ambulance service that always needs funding, and we want to raise money for local law enforcement and fire departments also,” said Kramer.
