Community Resource Centers Spread Holiday Cheer and Support with Resource Fairs Across Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County was alive with festive spirit as thousands of residents gathered at holiday resource fairs hosted across the county this month.

The fairs, hosted at six Community Resource Centers (CRCs) jointly operated by Blue Shield Promise and L.A. Care, treated families to gifts and seasonal treats, while also connecting them with essential health and wellness resources, including complimentary haircuts, warm clothing for children, free packs of baby diapers, grocery gift cards, toys, baby clothes, and activities such as rock-wall climbing.

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“I was able to get free diapers for my younger grandson and a toy for my older grandson who accompanied me to today’s holiday celebration,” said Pauline Leon, who attended the kick-off event at Long Beach CRC. In total, six holiday fairs spanned the county in December, with events at CRCs in East Los Angeles, El Monte, Long Beach, Lynwood, Palmdale and Pomona.

“Blue Shield Promise is happy to help brighten spirits and bring much-needed resources to improve health and wellbeing of our Los Angeles County communities,” said Jennifer Schirmer, vice president of Growth and Community Engagement for Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. “Helping ease the burden of the holiday season is a meaningful way to support one another, and we see it reflected in the smiles of these families.”

In addition to providing a winter-wonderland-like experience in a safe environment, the CRC events connected residents with resources to stay active and healthy throughout the year. Numerous organizations were on-site to provide information about their health and human services, including Aquarium of the Pacific, Baby2Baby, Black Infant Health, Crystal Stairs, God’s Pantry, and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

“I greatly appreciate the free resources that we received today and all year round. I come to my local Community Resource Center to take Zumba and Mommy-and-Me classes, because it helps keep all my family healthy,” said Kerly Romero who attended the event in Long Beach.

“We’re committed to addressing and improving the social drivers of health that are unique in every Los Angeles County community,” said Zulay Carrillo, manager of the Long Beach CRC. “Families departed not with just gifts in hand, but also with the assurance that help and resources are always within reach at our Community Resource Centers.”

Community Resource Centers will be closed from December 22 through January 1. For more information about programs at all 12 L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Centers, visit www.communityresourcecenterla.org/.