Luskin Orthopaedic Institute Delivers Holiday Cheer to 1,000 Kids
Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) once again transformed its Downtown Los Angeles campus into a place of wonder, joy, and community as it welcomed more than 1,000 pediatric patients and their families to its 36th Annual Toys & Joy Holiday Party. The beloved annual celebration, deeply rooted in compassion and service, reaffirmed LuskinOIC’s commitment to caring for the whole child—emotionally, socially, and physically—beyond the walls of the exam room.
For more than three decades, Toys & Joy has served as a signature tradition for the nonprofit pediatric orthopaedic hospital, ensuring that children facing medical challenges, along with their siblings and under-resourced families, can experience the magic of the holiday season. This year’s celebration delivered unforgettable moments, heartwarming surprises, and lasting memories for every family in attendance.
A Hero’s Welcome and a Day of Celebration
The event began with a dramatic and joyful welcome as Ozzie the Dragon, LuskinOIC’s beloved mascot, arrived in a SWAT BearCat, drawing cheers and smiles from children and parents alike. The surprise entrance set the tone for a day filled with excitement, laughter, and holiday spirit.
Serving as emcee for the celebration was Josh Randall, known as the warm-up host for American Idol, who kept energy levels high and guided families through a packed schedule of performances and activities. Adding to the excitement, Nayah Damasen, the voice of Draculaura in Monster High, delivered a show-stopping musical performance that had young guests singing along and dancing throughout the campus.
Celebrity Support Brings Extra Magic
A wide range of actors, musicians, comedians, and community supporters volunteered their time to bring joy to LuskinOIC families and assist Santa in distributing toys and gifts. The celebration was attended by an impressive lineup of entertainment industry figures, including:
- Keith David (The Lowdown)
- Kevin Nealon (Saturday Night Live)
- Susan Yeagley (Parks & Recreation)
- Jharrel Jerome
- Annie Gonzalez (Jenni)
- Mary Lou Belli, television director, producer, author of Acting for Young Actors, and LuskinOIC Gala Honoree
- Michael Hitchcock (Nobody Wants This)
- DeVaughn Nixon (The Christmas Showdown)
- Fernando Carsa (Acapulco)
- Sufe Bradshaw (Veep)
- Andrea Londo (Matlock)
- Matthew Von Der Ahe (Champions)
- Max Reeves (Plurbius)
- Sierra Sky Fisher, songwriter
- Bella Blanding (9-1-1: Lone Star)
- Briana Lily
- Gable Nealon
- Brooke Thomas (Good Day LA)
- Crawford Wilson (Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender)
- Shelia Celine (Barbie World)
- BJ Korros (Celebrity Page)
- Jennifer Leigh (Blow for Blow)
Their presence underscored the broad community support behind LuskinOIC’s mission and the importance of bringing moments of joy to children who often spend much of their year focused on recovery and treatment.
Santa’s Gravity-Defying Entrance
One of the most unforgettable moments of the day came when Santa Claus made a gravity-defying entrance, rappelling down the Luskin Medical Pavilion after arriving via helicopter. The thrilling arrival was made possible through LuskinOIC’s longtime partnership with the LAPD SWAT team, whose support added an extra sense of excitement and spectacle to the event.
Children’s faces lit up as Santa descended from above, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience that perfectly captured the magic of Toys & Joy. Throughout the day, families had the opportunity to take photos with Santa and Ozzie, creating keepsakes they will treasure for years to come.
Activities Designed for All Ages
Families enjoyed a wide variety of hands-on activities thoughtfully designed to engage children of all ages and abilities. Highlights included:
- A 360-degree photo booth capturing fun, shareable moments
- LA Galaxy soccer darts, encouraging playful movement and teamwork
- Joy Card Project, where children created holiday cards for individuals in elder care
- Arts and crafts stations
- Distribution of blankets and books
- Live holiday music from DJ Amused and Angeleno Brass
The campus buzzed with laughter and music as families moved from activity to activity, soaking in a day free from medical appointments and worries. At the end of the celebration, every child went home with gifts, ensuring that no one left empty-handed—and that every family carried home the joy of the season.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Toys & Joy was created to ensure pediatric patients, their siblings, and under-resourced children experience the warmth and magic of the holidays, regardless of their circumstances. The event reflects LuskinOIC’s belief that healing extends beyond medical procedures to include emotional well-being, human connection, and community support.
At LuskinOIC, we believe care goes beyond medicine,” said Dr. Anthony Scaduto, President and CEO of LuskinOIC. “Toys & Joy reflects who we are—not just providing expert medical care, but creating moments of comfort, connection, and hope for the families we serve.”
A Century-Long Commitment to Care
Now in its 114th year, Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children continues to provide expert pediatric orthopaedic care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. With more than 85% of patients underinsured, the nonprofit relies heavily on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and partners to advance access to high-quality care.
In alliance with UCLA Health, LuskinOIC serves more than 60,000 patient visits annually and extends its reach through pro bono care programs in communities such as Calexico and Mexicali, ensuring children receive critical orthopaedic treatment close to home.
Community Partners Make It Possible
Toys & Joy is the culmination of a year-long toy collection initiative and is made possible through the support of numerous partners and donors, including:
LA Galaxy, LA Ghostbusters, The Book Foundation, Photobooth Party LA, Hero Dental, Insomnia Cookies, Capri Sun, Joy Card Project, Project Sunshine, Angeleno Brass, Mattel, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Orthopaedic Medical Magnet High School, UCLA and USC student organizations, LuskinOIC support groups, and the LAPD SWAT team.
Their collective generosity ensures the continued success of Toys & Joy and reinforces the strength of the community surrounding LuskinOIC’s mission.
As Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children closes another impactful year, the organization remains steadfast in its dedication to helping families feel supported—not only during the holidays, but every day of the year. Through compassionate care, community partnerships, and events like Toys & Joy, LuskinOIC continues to create brighter futures for children and families across Los Angeles and beyond.
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
