HO! HO! HO! Santa arrived at Rancho Los Amigos this past Thursday to deliver toys and goodies donated by our wonderful supporters.

The second annual holiday toy drive and giveaway was a success! DBP volunteers and Founder, Miguel Rivera spent time with the amazing staff at Rancho Los Amigos, current inpatients, and their families. The team got to enjoy dinner and share laughs as our dear Santa distributed gifts to the children in the room.

“It feels so good to help other people.” -Devin

Most of the patients at Rancho Los Amigos are currently facing life-changing injuries. In a short amount of time, these teenagers and their families are forced to adjust to a whole new way of doing life; often overwhelmed with emotion and many questions left unanswered. One can only assume how difficult this season may be for these families, as their children stay back in the hospital during the holidays.

The take-away from DBP’s visit to Rancho Los Amigos came directly from the people we met on this night as well as supporters like you.

Not only was their strength inspiring but we also discovered the lesson of the potential that lies in lending a hand and sharing a sincere smile with someone. We recognized that it does not take a huge action to make someone’s day better. Rather, it is the willingness to be conscious of others’ experiences.

In the words of one of DBP’s first-time volunteers, Devin, “It feels so good to help people.”

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia

Written by Jennifer Covarrubias