2nd Annual Winter Wonderland Event Brings Joy and Community Together
On December 11th, 2024, Intercultural Family Services, Inc. (IFS), through its Peer2You program, hosted the highly anticipated second annual Winter Wonderland holiday give-back event at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This festive occasion welcomed about 200 attendees from across the community for an evening of celebration, generosity, and connection.
Spreading Warmth and Cheer
The event was designed to provide a safe and joyous space for families during the holiday season. Guests were greeted with a warm atmosphere filled with holiday decorations, music, and the cheerful energy of IFS staff and volunteers. The highlight of the evening was the distribution of coats, gifts, and essential items to families in need, ensuring that everyone could stay warm and enjoy the spirit of the holidays.
In addition to the gift distribution, attendees were treated to a catered meal, creating an opportunity for families to relax and enjoy a shared experience. Special thanks go to our partners and donors whose generosity made this event possible, including Cradles to Crayons, which provided a significant portion of the winter coats, and local businesses that contributed additional gifts.
A Community-Centered Mission
Winter Wonderland is more than just a holiday event; it embodies the mission of Peer2You and IFS to create meaningful connections, strengthen communities, and provide support to those in need. The event offered a welcoming environment for attendees to engage with our programs, learn about available resources, and connect with Peer2You's ongoing initiatives to combat gun violence and support youth development. Peer2You was also able to provide over 100 families with a gun safe lockbox and a Ring doorbell camera, enhancing safety and security for those in attendance.
The event also featured speeches from community leaders, including IFS’s CEO, Javi Alvarado, and local government representatives, including State Representatives Amen Brown and Jordan Harris, who both delivered inspirational speeches emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience. These messages resonated deeply, highlighting the power of collaboration in addressing community challenges.
Looking Ahead
As IFS reflects on the success of this year’s Winter Wonderland, we remain committed to expanding our impact and creating more opportunities to uplift our community. Peer2You’s programs continue to provide mentorship and life skills to youth impacted by gun violence, while events like Winter Wonderland offer immediate support and lasting memories for families.
We are incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners who worked tirelessly to make this event a success. Together, we demonstrated that even in challenging times, our community’s spirit shines bright.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events and initiatives as we continue to empower, unite, and serve. To learn more about Intercultural Family Services and our programs, visit our website or follow us on social media.
Thank you for being a part of this year’s Winter Wonderland—we look forward to seeing you again next year!