On December 20, 2009, the Los Angeles Dream Center made history when 8,000 bikes and toys were given away to children from the inner cities of Los Angeles. Lining up outside of the Los Angeles Sports Arena, some as early as four o’clock in the morning the day before, countless families anticipated a miracle on two-wheels: a brand new bicycle. So many parents cannot afford a Christmas gift to this extent, especially with the struggling economy.



Up until the extravagant Christmas in the City event, many people throughout the city wondered how they would make the holidays memorable for their young children, who do not understand that Santa Clause is on a budget, too. Worry was exchanged for joy when parents in various neighborhoods were given flyers about the Dream Center’s annual Christmas event, and in turn given the opportunity to see the priceless gift of smiles on their children’s faces. Some slept in tents, while others were satisfied to camp out on a chair and blankets outside of the arena thirty hours before the event took place.

A plethora of brand new bicycles and tricycles, constructed by men in the Dream Center Discipleship program, were packed into the Sports Arena and boxes were filled to capacity with colorfully wrapped gifts. Despite the economic crisis that is impacting millions of Americans, the Dream Center gave away more than double the amount of bikes and presents this Christmas compared to last year. Michael and Dru Hammer, who are long-time supporters of the Dream Center, contributed nearly 3,000 bikes to kids in need.



“We have a God who understands where we’re at in America,” Pastor Matthew Barnett says to the thousands who were seated in the Sports Arena. Countless parents have lost their jobs or have found it nearly impossible to find work to take care of their children. Pastor Matthew called five families to the stage who had received “Golden Tickets.” Each special family was given baskets full of theatre tickets and a range of gift cards, a $2,500 value per basket.

Dream Records artists Press Play and I’m OK You’re OK, as well as Coffey Anderson and Joel Bodker, put a spin on much loved Christmas carols. In addition, American Idol finalist Danny Gokey sang his new release “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me,” which appeared on the U.S. Billboard charts. Judith Hill, who was the late Michael Jackson’s backup singer for the much-anticipated This Is It tour, sang the Christmas classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The joy of the season was felt for thousands of low-income families who have experienced a year of unwelcomed heartache and hopelessness.



Most importantly, the greatest gift that many of these hurting individuals received was the gift of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as a Christmas gift 2,000 years ago for all of mankind to find true hope and joy, even after all of the holiday celebrations have ended. “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Smiles were everywhere as families exited the arena, a Christmas celebration that they will never forget. With your continued love and support of the Dream Center, many more families in Los Angeles will have these special needs met, both for next Christmas and all-year long.