On Tuesday evening, about 100 children from Claremont and neighboring cities gathered at Granite Creek Community Church, 1580 N. Claremont Blvd., Claremont, for KidCare International’s annual Christmas party and toy giveaway.

Nonprofit KidCare International has hosted the party for 20 years running, benefitting hundreds of children every year.

The evening began with a dinner for families courtesy of The Taco Man. Remarks from Granite Creek pastor Joshua Kapchinsky, Claremont Police Chief Aaron Fate, and Mayor Ed Reece were heard prior to a bike raffle.

Claremont Mayor Ed Reece helps Nevaeh C. Lee decide if she wants to take home a toy-sized cabinet for her shoes at KidCare International’s annual holiday party and toy giveaway at Granite Creek Church on December 20. COURIER photo/Andrew Alonzo

The gifts included thousands of items from children’s books, board games, dolls, action figures, sports equipment and more. They were donated by local citizens and community groups, including from Claremont Police Department and Keeping the Good in our Neighborhood’s recent toy drive, and three local Los Angeles County Fire departments that participated in ABC 7’s Spark of Love toy drive.

For more information visit kidcare.org.