Last Saturday, Universal Studios Hollywood joined M.E.N.D to host their annual “Christmas in Spring” event, marking over 25 years of Universal’s efforts to give back to the community. Over 100 Universal Team Members came together to volunteer for this worthy cause.
M.E.N.D, located in Pacoima, California, welcomed hundreds of families on Saturday to an afternoon of games, food and entertainment. To help with the event, Universal brought along some of their most beloved characters, including Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Dora, Diego, Spongebob, the Minions, and even Santa Claus himself.
As M.E.N.D families walked in, Universal Team Members distributed special badges and a Universal Studios Hollywood bag to help store goodies. All throughout the property, stations were set up to provide different activities for both kids and adults.
Face painting was offered for both kids and adults, along with that a station was dedicated to free books for kids 12 and under. From there, three booths housed carnival games where everyone was a winner. Prizes were given out for those willing to try their hand at the games, and prizes ranged from key chains and Uni*Mini’s to toys modeled after the Transformers franchise.
A live DJ also provided entertainment for the guests, with Universal characters coming out periodically for meet and greets with guests. Multiple stations were set up throughout the venue with free ice cream and water, and a fully catered buffet was brought in for all participating families.
Though it is only spring, Santa came out from vacation to greet kids with a free photo souvenir and a stuffed animal or tote bag.
“Supporting M.E.N.D. is a cornerstone of our philanthropic efforts as we partner to empower those in need through this much-loved ‘Christmas in Spring’ program,” said Larry Kurzweil, President, Universal Studios Hollywood. “It’s incredibly rewarding to have such a compassionate workforce who themselves become empowered by the greater good to do the right thing in helping to make a difference in the lives of others.”
The event is a part of Universal’s larger philanthropic endeavors under the “Discover a Star” foundation. This foundation provides grants and donations to organizations that help individuals and families achieve more productive and fulfilling lives.
Be sure to be on the look out for more events throughout the year as Universal continues to make an impact in the greater community.
