Children rode on a mechanical snowboard, made friends with animals in the petting zoo, had a “meet-and-great” with Santa Claus, and went home with toys they got to choose — all thanks to the “Miracle in Mission” event sponsored by Los Angeles City Councilmember Imelda Padilla and the LAPD Mission Division in Panorama City. Officials expected that 10,000 toys were given away to thousands of children.
“Miracle in Mission is one of the most joyful traditions in our district, reflecting the very best of who we are,” Padilla said. “For many of our Valley families, the holidays can be an especially tough time, and creating safe, joyful spaces where youth feel seen, celebrated, and supported is more important than ever.”
Gerson Gonzalez, 11, rides the mechanical snowboard during the third annual Miracle in Mission holiday festival at Sepulveda Recreation Center in Panorama City, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
A young girl holds a toy she selected during the third annual Miracle in Mission holiday festival at Sepulveda Recreation Center in Panorama City, where more than 10,000 toys were distributed to children, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
A young girl reaches for a toy handed to her by a volunteer during the third annual Miracle in Mission holiday festival at Sepulveda Recreation Center in Panorama City, where tables of toys and lines of families waited for gifts, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
Councilmember Imelda Padilla, with her nephew Ezekiel Padilla beside her, speaks to the audience during the third annual Miracle in Mission holiday festival at Sepulveda Recreation Center in Panorama City, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
LAPD Capt. Garrett Peyton throws a football to Senior Lead Officer Brady Cuellar during the third annual Miracle in Mission holiday festival at Sepulveda Recreation Center in Panorama City, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
Mia Navarro, 9, holds a rabbit in the petting zoo as children visit with animals during the third annual Miracle in Mission holiday festival at Sepulveda Recreation Center in Panorama City, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
A young boy looks over tables of toys as he decides which to choose during the third annual Miracle in Mission holiday festival at Sepulveda Recreation Center in Panorama City, where more than 10,000 toys were given away to children, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
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Gerson Gonzalez, 11, rides the mechanical snowboard during the third annual Miracle in Mission holiday festival at Sepulveda Recreation Center in Panorama City, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)
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“I am proud to partner with the LAPD Mission Division and our community sponsors to ensure that every family—regardless of circumstance—feels our commitment, compassion, and unity,” Padilla said. “This event is about uplifting our community and honoring a tradition that brings us together. We’re bringing more than toys and resources—we’re bringing hope, connection, and a sense of belonging to families across the East Valley.”
