First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles (FAME), the city’s oldest African American–founded church, will host its Annual Christmas Giveaway on Saturday, December 20 at 9:00 a.m., continuing a more than 40-year tradition of holiday giving to support thousands of families facing financial hardship across Los Angeles.
Santa Claus to Arrive by Fire Truck; Event Begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20
FAME continues its 40-year tradition of providing toys, food, clothing, and hope amid soaring community need
LOS ANGELES, CA — First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles (FAME), the city’s oldest African American–founded church, will host its Annual Christmas Giveaway on Saturday, December 20 at 9:00 a.m., continuing a more than 40-year tradition of holiday giving to support thousands of families facing financial hardship across Los Angeles.
This year’s need is especially urgent. According to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, 1 in 4 Angelenos experiences food insecurity, a crisis driven by rising costs of housing, groceries, and necessities. FAME’s Christmas Giveaway—one of the region’s largest faith-based holiday distributions—provides relief by offering free toys, warm clothing, coats, shoes, socks, gift cards, and fresh food to children, seniors, and families.
Adding to the excitement, Santa Claus will arrive at 9:00 a.m. aboard a Los Angeles Fire Department fire truck, greeting children and launching a festive morning of hope, joy, and generosity.
“For more than four decades, FAME has stood in the gap for families who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Rev. Dr. Timothy Tyler, Senior Pastor of FAME Church. “In a year when so many are facing extraordinary challenges, our mission remains the same: to serve with compassion, dignity, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves joy and every family deserves support. This giveaway is an expression of God’s love made visible in our community.”
The Christmas Giveaway is led by FAME’s Commission on Missions and Welfare and the Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society, ministries committed to ensuring that families have access to essentials that sustain health, stability, and quality of life.
“Our commission is dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of our church and community members,” said Dr. Chris Waters, Chairwoman of FAME’s Commission on Missions and Welfare. “As the need in Los Angeles continues to grow, we are doubling down on our commitment to provide life-sustaining resources—so that individuals not only survive but truly thrive. We remain mandated to show up for the least of these with compassion, courage, and consistency.”
More than 3,000 individuals are expected to receive assistance at this year’s event. Volunteers will distribute gifts and supplies on a first-come, first-served basis while quantities last.
A full list of local and state dignitaries attending will be made available upon request.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT:
FAME Church Annual Christmas Giveaway – Free Toys, Clothing, Food & Holiday Support for Families
WHEN:
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Event begins at 9:00 a.m.
WHERE:
First A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles (FAME) 2270 S. Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018
SPECIAL FEATURE:
Santa Claus arrival on a Los Angeles Fire Department fire truck at 9:00 a.m.
Local dignitaries
ABOUT FIRST A.M.E. CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES (FAME)
Founded in 1872 by formerly enslaved visionary Biddy Mason, First A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles is the oldest African American–established church in Los Angeles and remains a cornerstone of faith, service, and social justice. Under Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Timothy Tyler, FAME operates dozens of outreach ministries addressing food insecurity, housing stability, education, health, and crisis support for thousands of residents each year.
For more information, visit www.famechurchla.org