Lakers Cool Spot & Mini Mart Treats 500 Kids

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, especially for children. However, not every child gets to join in the fun. That’s why, whenever we hear about a community event for kids, we rush to capture the magic with our mic and camera. One couple who has consistently brought joy to the children of Lake-I for the past twelve years are James and Keisha Young. Even during the tough times of the COVID pandemic, they never wavered in their mission to bring smiles to young faces. And today, despite the rain, the party went on. News Five’s Marion Ali has the story.

 

Marion Ali, Reporting

This afternoon, the Lakers Cool Spot and Mini Mart in the Lake Independence area hosted a heartwarming event for five hundred children, ranging from one to ten years old. Co-host Keisha Young shared with News Five that she and her husband, James Young, have made it their mission to keep this tradition alive, even through the challenges of the COVID pandemic. They believe every child deserves a bit of holiday magic, especially those who might not have such experiences otherwise.

 

Keisha Young, Organizer, Lakers Christmas Party

“This is just our way of giving back in this community. You know, we do this Christmas party. This year was our first Mother’s Day party, too, where we invited over fifty moms, so it’s just giving back in the community. And, you know, it warms our hearts to see the kids out here enjoying at this time of the year that we can do something and give back.”

 

Young says a lot of the help came from sponsors at home and abroad.

 

Keisha Young

“ We have families and friends from abroad. We have Joseph and Taylor, Habet and Habet. We have Nolan and Sarita Bradley and of course we have Glenda Trapp. That’s her friend from the States.  She does like Barbeques and stuff like that to help us with getting the toys that we have out here to give away.”

 

One of the kind souls behind this event is Glenda Trapp. Every year, she travels all the way from Los Angeles to ensure her contributions make a difference. Glenda gathers donations and toys from her church community in LA, and today, she was right there, personally handing out the gifts to the children. Her dedication truly brings the spirit of giving to life.

 

Glenda Trapp, Co-sponsor, Lakers Christmas Party

“I love children and I love Mr. and Mrs.Young and I love what they do for the community. So it takes a village to make it happen.”

 

Marion Ali

“And so every year you put up, money, toys, what is it?”

 

Glenda Trapp

“Whatever is needed, we do it.”

 

Damani Gonzalez told us he was enjoying himself at the event, while Kaylei Dougal has somewhat outgrown her children’s party days and is now a volunteer at the event.

 

Damani Gonzalez, Attendee, Lakers Children’s Party

“I deh ya I think since I was two, I’ve been here at this Christmas party.”

 

Marion Ali

“How old are you now?”

 

Damani Gonzalez

“I’m twelve, right now. Yeah. I deh ya every year and I happy. It’s fun, and most of the time over deh you get snacks, so I like it. And I mi just want seh Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to all ah unu.”

 

Kaylei Dougal, Volunteer, Lakers’ Christmas Party

“I’ve been doing this since I was a young age and I’m so happy that my aunt gets to do this every year. It’s so good to see the little kids be so happy and to see that some of them don’t have enough money to get gifts every year. It’s just so great to see them.”

 

Among the joyful faces at the event were Kayla Escobar and her daughter, Tyronnee Young. They were joined by Stacey Moody and her daughter, Tamisha Castillo, both soaking in the festive atmosphere and making cherished memories together.

 

Kayla Escobar, Mother

“I decide fi bring ah because every year dehn always got good giveaways, good gifts, excitement, have fun. Da wa time to always remember and never forget them.”

 

Stacey Moody, Mother

“I used to live over there, but for the past three years, I am the cook for the Lakers Christmas Party. Well, everybody like the food and I know you will try it, so you’ll enjoy it, too.”

 

Marion Ali

“Yeah, it seems to be a very fun thing. I see a lot of the parents smiling, not only the kids.”

 

Stacey Moody

“Yes, man. I mean, when there is love, good people, you know, the children enjoy the gifts, good food, it’s a reason to look forward to Christmas.”

 

Keisha Young believes that events like these have a lasting effect on children, so it’s important to afford them the opportunity.

 

Keisha Young

“I grew up knowing what it was like to go to a Salvation Army party so that I’m blessed to be in the position to do for these kids, it’s truly a blessing to be able to give back.”

 

Marion Ali for News Five.

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