On December 14th, our Sherman Oaks campus came alive with the sights and sounds of holiday cheer as we hosted The Help Group’s 40th Annual Holiday Carnival. This special event brought together over 1,000 children and their families from our Family-Centered Support Programs, Mental Health & Clinical Programs, and Residential Services for a day filled with joy, connection, and community.

The campus was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with carnival rides like a trackless train, swings, and bounce houses that brought smiles and laughter to children of all ages. Game booths offered fun challenges—from ring tosses to bean bag throws and basketball hoops—with exciting prizes for all participants.

DJ Disco kept the energy high with a lively dance party, while arts and crafts booths inspired creativity. Children had their faces painted with festive designs, and the petting zoo—featuring friendly animals like bunnies, goats, and a miniature horse—delighted guests and fostered a sense of wonder. Families also enjoyed a free clothing giveaway, generously provided by Silverlining, our social enterprise resale boutique and vocational training center, and snapped fun photos at the selfie station.

A highlight of the day was the much-anticipated visit from Santa Claus. Children shared their holiday wishes and captured special moments in photos, creating cherished memories for their families. Each child received a gift to take home, ensuring no one left empty-handed.

“This event is pure magic,” said Dr. Susan Berman, CEO of The Help Group. “Seeing the joy on the faces of these children and their families is what the holiday season is all about. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of community and the incredible difference we can make when we come together.”

Guests enjoyed holiday refreshments, including hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and more. The carnival offered a much-needed respite for families facing challenges, creating a space for fun, connection, and support.

We were honored to welcome Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and her team, whose presence underscored their commitment to the community and our mission. Their visit added a special touch to the day.

The success of this year’s carnival was made possible by the incredible generosity of our toy sponsors, including MGA Entertainment, Moosh Moosh, Blossom, Bubble Universe, and many others. Their support ensured every child received a toy and helped us create a truly unforgettable experience.

We are also deeply grateful to the more than 150 volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to bring this event to life. From wrapping gifts to managing booths, their contributions made this day a reality.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our sponsors for their unwavering support: Zenith, Lockton Insurance, MGA Entertainment, Aaron Coleman, Alimart, American Business Bank, Blossom, Bob Dorman, Bubble Universe, Dan Gallagher, Danny Raffle, Debby Webb, Gary Carmona, HopSkipDrive, Jae Hyun, Jen Huang, Joy Monkarsh, Lang Roofing, Meghan McCord, Michael and Theo Dolotta, Michelle Hennessy, Mike Morrissey, Moosh Moosh, O’Hagan Meyer, Pawar Transportation, Ruggieri Construction, STA Transportation, Stephanie Goldsmith, Susan Berk, UBS, Valarie McCabe, Valerie Seymour, Yellow Cab, Yolanda De-Ramus-Pina.

For 40 years, The Help Group’s Holiday Carnival has embodied the spirit of community and the transformative power of kindness. We remain committed to supporting children and families through events like this and our wide range of programs and services. Together, we can continue to make a difference—one smile at a time.