Los Angeles – Senator Ben Allen (D-Los Angeles) celebrated the holidays amongst his community with youth musical performances, recognitions of community leaders, and a donation of over 5,000 toys for local families in need this season.

“The holiday spirit is alive and well in Los Angeles County; bringing people together has always been a rewarding aspect of my public service,” said Senator Allen. “The joy and unity that we find within each other during these special times is so uplifting. I am grateful for the generosity of our community that helped us collect over 5,000 toys for local families, and I appreciate the thoughtful discussions we were able to have on the pressing issues facing California and the greater Los Angeles region.”

Senator Allen’s Office partnered with the Assistance League of Los Angeles and My Stuff Bags Foundation to collect and donate over 5,000 toys for children of all ages and genders within the Los Angeles region. The annual Holiday Celebration event provided live performances from Elemental Choir and the Fairfax High School Chamber Strings.

Allen also honored local leaders with certificates of recognition to celebrate their work that enriches our community this holiday season. Honorees included: Greg Kovas, CEO of Assistance League of Los Angeles; Janeen Holmes, CEO of My Stuff Bags Foundation; Corinne Murat, Director of Government Affairs for Mattel.

About Partner Organizations

The My Stuff Bags Foundation is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit that delivers hope and comfort to children rescued from abuse and homelessness who often arrive to foster care or crisis shelters with nothing of their own. My Stuff Bags Foundation fills this gap by providing these children with blue duffels filled with new essentials like toiletries, toys, books, and blankets. They have eight categories of gender-specific Bags, ranging from infant to adolescent.

Through the support of individuals, granters, corporations, and thousands of volunteers, they are able to supply 20,000 Bags every year to vulnerable children across the country. They are always in need of toys to include in the Bags, as they provide comfort, distraction, and a sense of normalcy for children who have experienced trauma and upheaval. These toys help brighten their days, support emotional healing, and offer a small sense of ownership and stability during a difficult time.

The Assistance League of Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of underserved, homeless, and foster care youth. Serving over 21,000 children annually, the League addresses critical needs through a variety of impactful programs that provide essential resources, services, and opportunities designed to break down barriers and create brighter futures.

Assistance League of Los Angeles’ key programs: Operation School Bell equips thousands of students each year with new clothing, backpacks, shoes, and supplies, ensuring they feel confident, motivating them to stay in school, and prepared for academic success. The Foster Children’s Resource Center offers foster youth clothing, hygiene items, and comfort essentials, helping to ease the challenges they face in transitional living situations. Through Theater for Children, the League introduces young audiences to performing arts education, igniting creativity and self-expression while fostering a love for storytelling.

The League supports educational advancement through the College Scholarship Program, offering financial aid to homeless youth pursuing higher education. This program aims to remove financial barriers, empowering students to focus on their studies and achieve their academic and career goals. For children experiencing homelessness, programs like Preschool Learning Center ensure they receive access to early education and developmental support in a nurturing environment.

By addressing immediate needs and championing long-term empowerment, the Assistance League of Los Angeles is transforming lives and giving children the tools they need to succeed. Its programs are rooted in compassion, helping to build stronger communities one child at a time.