Lakers Cool Spot Brings Christmas Joy to Over 400 Children

Christmas is fast approaching and the joy of the season is spreading far and wide across Belize. Today in Lake Independence, over four hundred children joined in a special celebration at the annual Lakers Christmas party. For the past thirteen years, James and Keisha Young have hosted this annual party to give children a day filled with fun, laughter, and holiday cheer. News Five’s Britney Gordon was there to capture the magic.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

For over a decade, Christmas in Lake Independence has been a time of joy and togetherness as the Lakers Cool Spot and Mini Mart host their annual Christmas party. It’s a tradition that has become a staple in the community, one that hundreds of children look forward to each year. Organizer Keisha Young explains why keeping the Christmas spirit alive each year is her personal mission.

 

Keisha Young, Organizer, Lakers Christmas Party

“What has  kept me going is the thought that we can be a blessing. If you can be anything, we can be a blessing to people and it takes nothing. And I’m thankful for the donors that give to us every year. We have Bowen and Bowen who comes out every year. When I first started this party, they gave us, and they have been with me. And so I’m thankful and blessed for the people that have. Been on this journey with me because it takes a village.”

 

The initiative began thirteen years ago with less than twenty children, now it has grown to provide toys, food, and a day of fun for over four hundred children. Cordell Lawson travelled from Los Angeles, California to volunteer. He shares how his family gives back to the community through the event.

 

Cordell Lawson, Volunteer

“A few years ago, my mom. She told us about this and so she partnered up with Miss Keisha and Mr. James, and so me and my sister and some other volunteers came out to assist that year. And then the following year we added a different component to it. So we added like a dance contest. And then more and more kids start to come. So it started from like fifteen and then it grew to now over six hundred kids now. And then the following year I decided that I wanted to bring some shoes to raffle off the shoes to the kids.”

This event is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers, including Glenda Trapp, who has generously contributed her time and resources year after year.

 

Glenda Trapp, Volunteer

“ It gives me a lot of joy and a lot of happiness to be able to participate and serve so many children. I was very happy when Mr. And Mrs. Young said they were gonna do this so that I could come out and support.”

 

At the event, kids enjoyed games, competitions, and plenty of fun activities. Six-year-old Corey Cayetano shared what he took part in today.

 

Britney Gordon

“Have you been having fun at the party so far?”

 

Corey Cayetano, Party Attendee

“Yes.”

 

Britney Gordon

“What’s been your favorite part?”

 

Corey Cayetano

“Is that I got to get my face paint.”

 

While the Lakers Christmas party was in full swing, across town on Racoon Street, for the first time in over a decade, the Belize Police Department hosted a Christmas party for the children of its officers and civilian staff.  The event was filled with food, games and an evening of holiday cheer. Senior Superintendent Reyes shares how this event is bringing the community together.

 

Sr. Superintendent Reymundo Reyes, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“This was something that was spontaneously called for. So, I have to get my management team up here in Eastern together really in less than four days for us to have this event proceeding. This is an idea that came from the commissioner of police office and the minister of police. They assisted us with finances and we get support from the businesses in Belize City  and that how we were able to get the gift packages, the sweets, snack and so forth for the children, police officers working here in eastern division.”

 

Events such as these provide children with the opportunity to make friends and learn about the goodness in giving back. Keisha Young says that she hopes to make the annual party her legacy so that the children can keep having a merry Christmas for years to come. Britney Gordon for News Five.