*More than 5,000 Los Angeles residents were served Saturday, December 20, as First African Methodist Episcopal Church/FAME of Los Angeles hosted its beloved Annual Christmas Giveaway—continuing a community tradition of more than 30 years.
Families lined Harvard Boulevard in anticipation as the morning kicked off with holiday cheer, moving speeches, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus atop a Los Angeles Fire Department fire truck.
LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, First Lady Dr. Dwinita Tyler, and Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Timothy Tyler opened the event with passionate remarks celebrating unity, hope, and the power of community care.
“This season reminds us that God’s love shows up through people,” said Rev. Dr. Timothy Tyler. “Every coat, every toy, every bag of groceries we give represents dignity, compassion, and the promise that no one in our community walks alone. FAME will always stand in the gap for our neighbors.”
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Harris-Dawson expressed gratitude for FAME’s continued commitment to supporting the community.
“Thank you, First AME Church, on behalf of the 4 million citizens of Los Angeles, for always being first to serve,” Harris-Dawson said. “The food and toys are everything that the community needs.”
Residents received free toys, coats, clothing, shoes, socks, and bags of fresh food, while a DJ kept spirits high with festive music. Children took photos with Santa, volunteers handed out gifts with warm smiles, and families experienced a moment of joy in a year that has challenged many.
Jason Lee, a longtime Los Angeles resident, shared how meaningful the event is for families like his.
“Times are tough,” Lee said. “As a community, we are just so grateful to have this church do God’s work and give us blessings when we all need help. We are so blessed that you provide this service. You don’t turn anybody away. You give from the heart.”
The giveaway—led by FAME’s Commission on Missions and Welfare and the Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society—has supported thousands of families for decades.
This year’s Christmas celebration felt especially powerful, not only because of the scale of generosity but because of the love, connection, and dignity that filled every moment.
FAME Church continues to stand as a pillar of service in Los Angeles, reminding the city what is possible when a community comes together to care for one another.
The city’s oldest African American-founded church also hosts a monthly food giveaway every fourth Saturday, extending its commitment to fighting food insecurity and uplifting vulnerable communities throughout the year. Additionally, today, December 22, the church will distribute $100 gift cards to EBT cardholders. The event is first-come, first-served.
For more information, visit https://www.famechurchla.org/
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