Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children Hosts Magical Toys & Joy Holiday Party and Santa Arrives via Helicopter for 1000+ Patients and Families

Gina DeBoss, Daire McLeod, and the St. Vincent Choir performed. Josh Randall Hosted.

The Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children’s (LuskinOIC) Downtown Los Angeles campus was turned into a winter wonderland for over 1,000 patients and families who lined up as early as 6 am to attend the 35th annual Toys & Joy Holiday Party.

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Santa Claus rappels down the Luskin Medical Pavilion wall at the 35th Annual Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children Toys & Joy Holiday Party to give over 1,000 patients and families gifts for the holidays. Photo credit, Danny Liao

This year’s celebration was brimming with musical performances and holiday cheer. The morning kicked off with Ozzie the Dragon welcoming children and families to the magical day. Guests included beloved actors and musicians like Caroline Rhea who hosted a charm bracelet station, Justine Lupe (“Nobody Wants This”), Mary Lou Belli (3x Emmy nominated Director and LuskinOIC Honoree), Lexi Underwood (“Little Fires Everywhere”), Andrea Londo (“Matlock”), Diandra Lyle (“Bel-Air”), Drake Rodger (“Motorheads”), Patrick Luwis (“Cobra Kai”), Sufe Bradshaw (“Veep”), Jesse Posey (“Selena: The Series”), Kieran Tamondong (“Monster: A Jeffrey Dahmer Story”), Bella Blanding (“911 Lone Star”), Kennedy Garcia (“Days of Our Lives”), Matthew Von Der Ahe (CHAMPIONS), Aiden Coleman (“Jane the Virgin”), Brooke Thomas (Good Day LA), and Lizza Monet Morales (xoxo, Lizza) who helped Santa & Mrs. Claus hand out gifts to children and families. The Holiday Party included performances by “A2K’s”, Gina DeBoss, “Ghostwriter’s”, Daire McLeod, and the St. Vincent choir. “American Idol” warm-up host Josh Randall MC’d the morning, DJ Amused played a festive set, and Naomi Riley, Outreach Director for Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CD 37), awarded LuskinOIC CEO Dr. Anthony Scaduto a certificate of recognition.

Santa made an unforgettable entrance, rappelling down the Luskin Medical Pavilion wall after arriving via helicopter, thanks to LuskinOIC’s long-time partner, the LAPD SWAT team. Pediatric patients and families were treated to activities, including meet-and-greets with the LA Galaxy Star Squad, LA Galaxy basketball challenge, charm bracelet crafting compliments of Caroline Rhea, Project Sunshine Craft bags, LuskinOIC Basketballs, Blankets, Books, Insomnia Cookies, and Disney Costume giveaways, a 360° photo booth, face painting, and photos with the LA SWAT B.E.A.R. Toys & Joy ensured that every child went home with gifts and memories that will last a lifetime.

Toys & Joy was created to ensure pediatric patients, their siblings, and under-resourced children in the community experience the joy of receiving holiday gifts. “At LuskinOIC, we believe that every child deserves not only the best medical care but also the joy and hope that come from community support,” said Dr. Maurico Silva, Chief Medical Officer of LuskinOIC. “Toys and Joy is a testament to the power of collective kindness in the healing journey.”

The 114-year-old nonprofit serves as a lifeline for children facing musculoskeletal conditions, providing expert care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. With more than 85% of its patients underinsured, LuskinOIC relies on the generosity of donors and sponsors to continue its mission of advancing health equity for every child in Los Angeles and beyond.

In alliance with UCLA Health, LuskinOIC stands as the largest provider of pediatric orthopaedic urgent care on the West Coast, receives 60,000 patient visits each year, and offers pro-bono treatment to patients in Calexico and Mexicali, among other cities worldwide through its International Children’s Program.

As LuskinOIC closes another impactful year, it remains dedicated to delivering expert, compassionate care and uplifting the lives of children and families through advanced medical treatments, medical education, groundbreaking research, and events like this cherished Holiday Party.

Toys & Joy is a culmination of a year-long toy collection program, and also made possible by our wonderful donors and partners which include, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Automobile Club of Southern California, Clear Channel, Apple, LA Ghostbusters, The Book Foundation, LA Galaxy, Magician Jerry Langford, Project Sunshine, Photobooth Party LA, Orthopaedic Medical Magnet High School, UCLA & USC student organizations, LuskinOIC’s support groups, and the LAPD SWAT team.

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About LuskinOIC: Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) was founded in 1911 as Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital and today is the largest pediatric orthopaedic facility on the West Coast focused solely on musculoskeletal conditions in children, with 85% of our patients underinsured. We receive more than 60,000 patient visits annually and extend our pro-bono services to patients in Calexico and Mexicali, among other cities worldwide. In alliance with UCLA Health and with the support of the LuskinOIC Foundation, we advance pediatric orthopaedics worldwide through outstanding patient care, medical education, and research. Our locations in downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Westwood, and Calexico treat the full spectrum of pediatric orthopaedic disorders and injuries. For more information, visit us at LuskinOIC.org.

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