COLTON COURIER We ekly
December 28, 2023
Vol 152, NO. 01
San Ber nardino, Colton, and Rialto Share in the Spirit o f G i v i n g a t A n n u a l C h r i s t m a s A r o u n d t h e Wo r l d
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LLUCH Spreads Holiday Cheer with Annual NICU Christmas Dress-up Pg. 4
Ring in 2024 with Two Spectacularly LowCost New Year’s Eve Experiences in Redlands Pg. 5
San Inland Bernardino Mayor Empire Helen Tran Welcomes Community Ne wspapers New Baby on Of fice: (909) 381-9898 Christmas Day E dito rial: iecn 1@mac.com Adver tising: sales@iecn.com Legals Pg. : 5 iecnlegals@h otmail.com
Inland Empire Community Newspape rs Of fice: (909) 381-9898 Edit or ial : iecn1 @ma c.com Adver ti si ng: iecn1 @ma c.com Legals : iecnl egal s@gm ail .com
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Sista’s Making a Difference CEO Ronnie Miller and volunteers posing for a photo before getting back to work halfway through the event.
By Manny Sandoval
wave of festive cheer swept through the cities of San Bernardino, Rialto, and Colton as they came together on December 16 at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) for the annual 'Christmas Around the World' event. Hosted by Sista's Making a Difference, the celebration drew thousands of families from these neighboring communities, fostering a sense of unity and joy.
The event was a cornucopia of festive activities, providing more than just entertainment to the families. Over 5,000 toys were given away, ensuring that no child left
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
A child making its way through Christmas Around the World at SBVC - with a snack in hand and receiving a new toy.
empty-handed. In addition to the free toys, the event featured an eclectic mix of food vendors, craft stalls, social service booths, and live performances, including a muchloved show by Tommy the Clown.
Ronnie Miller, CEO of Sista's Making a Difference, reflected on the event's success, "We just wrapped another year of Christmas Around the World at SBVC. We want to thank everyone who got involved in helping us support the community this holiday season - our volunteers, community partners, our sponsors, and those who came out and supported us; we could not have done it without you. We were able to bless thousands of kids today with over 5,000 toys. Inland Empire, we truly appre-
ciate all of you."
Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes, a proud sponsor of the event, shared her admiration for the organization's efforts on social media, saying "Sista’s Making a Difference has been making a difference in the lives of countless children. We've been a proud sponsor of their impactful event. The children celebrated their gift with Santa with dozens of resource booths, music filling the campus, lines for blocks, and a large open tent full of toys." The support from influential community leaders like Assembly Majority Leader Toys, cont. next pg.
C o m m u n i t y Jo y : I m m a c u l a t e C o n c e p t i o n C h u r c h ' s A n n u a l To y Giveaway Lights Up Colton
Reyes-Gomez and Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. Highlighting the community's cultural richness, a youth group enactment of "Las Posadas" preceded the much-anticipated toy giveaway. At the same time, Jose Pacheco y Los Diamantes's music added a festive backdrop to the afternoon.
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PHOTO DR. G
(L to R): Dr. G, Council Member; Rev. Max Tzul, FmM; Eloy Sanchez, Dinner Hour Ministry Coordinator; Eloise Reyes-Gomez, Assembly Member; and Joe Baca Jr., Supervisor.
By Dr. Luis S. González (Dr. G), Community Writer
he Immaculate Conception Church's Annual Toy Giveaway, under the seasoned leadership of Eloy Sanchez, Coordinator of the Dinner Hour Ministry, marked its 34th year with jubilant celebrations last Saturday.
The event, a beacon of holiday spirit in Colton, saw hundreds of children and their
families lining up early, eager to select their favorite Christmas toys. The giveaway, a cornerstone of the Dinner Hour Ministry's outreach, commenced slightly past its 1:00 PM start, following a ceremonial program brimming with community spirit.
By showcasing his musical talents, Council Member Dr. G set the tone with a trumpet rendition of the national anthem. The program further included heartfelt speeches from Assembly Member Eloise
Coordinator Sanchez reflected on the event's success, noting the enhanced organization and smooth flow. Volunteer Sandra Martinez echoed these sentiments, delighting in the visible joy on the children's faces. The program also acknowledged the efforts of volunteers and leadership, including Pete Zavala and Doug Blinkinsop, and expressed gratitude to donors and sponsors, such as Chino Valley Ranchers, James and Theresa Ramos, Lenny LaRocco, and others, for their generous toy donations. Special recognition was given to Pino Espudo for his longstanding commitment to the Dinner Hour Ministry and Sandra Martinez for her significant role in organizing the event. The Dinner Hour Ministry, known for its weekly food distributions and dinners, has seen its Annual Christmas Toy Give-AWay become vital to community engagement and joy in Colton. "We were ready, Church cont. next pg.