On Dec. 9, hundreds of “Santas” took part in the fifth-annual California Great Santa Stroll from Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach to raise money for Mychal’s Learning Place, a center for children and young adults with developmental disabilities.
All adult registrants received a Santa suit, child registrants received festive t-shirts, and dog registrants received a pet bandanna. The funds raised through the Santa Stroll went directly to Mychal’s Learning Place programs for youth and young adults with developmental disabilities.
“Getting some exercise in with other people dressed up as Santa was so much fun,” said community member Zachary Johnson. “This event shows how close-knit the Manhattan/Hermosa community really is”.
At 8 am, participants congregated down at the Hermosa Beach Pier for check-in. At 9, the stoll began. Many took off running, while others took their time walking down the strand. Other philanthropic organizations were able to volunteer at the event. Corporations like National Charity League and Amigos Unidos came dressed up in festive gear to help cheer on the Santas.
“The Santa Stroll was such a great event!” said junior Keilani Jordan. “It felt so fulfilling to help out Mychal’s Learning Place while also bringing Christmas Spirit to the community.”
Mychal’s Learning Place first opened its doors in Hawthorne in 2002 with an After School Program to provide a safe and inclusive space for youth to develop social and independent living skills. Additionally, Mychal’s has a Path to Independence Adult Day Program to help adults progress to job training and employment.
“My son took off running!” said community member Amy Gibson. “All his friends were racing and having such a great time.”
The 5k fun walk/run was sponsored by KTLA. Additionally brands and companies such as C.A. Hartnell, Chevron, Morgan Stanley, Kinecta, Skechers, Panda Express, and CalPrivate Bank helped bring awareness and donations to Mychal’s after school and job training programs.
“Fundraisers like these are such great ideas,” Gibson said. “Contributing to such an important cause and also having the opportunity to talk to friends and see everyone in the holiday spirit is a bonus.”
While the annual Santa Stroll took place on Dec. 9, the fundraising campaign started back in early November. Raising just $100 provided one week of supplies for Mychal’s after school and training programs. Community members were also given the opportunity to fundraise even if they could not make it to the stroll in person.
“The Santa Stoll is such an important event,” said Gibson. “I will definitely be participating next year!”
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