Throughout the holiday season, Glendale Unified School District’s Student Wellness Services team partnered with staff, families, and community organizations to support students and families deserving of extra support through a series of meaningful celebrations centered on care, connection, and belonging.

The season began just before Thanksgiving with the Grateful Giving event, hosted in partnership with the Glendale Council PTA. Families across the district received beautifully decorated holiday pies and grocery gift cards, helping make Thanksgiving celebrations more abundant.

That spirit continued on December 10, when the District Office transformed into a festive Winter Wonderland for 110 students and parents served by GUSD Wellness Services. Families enjoyed holiday caroling, were wowed by a magician, and posed for professional holiday photos provided by parent volunteer Talin Gharadaghi. Santa made a special visit to say hello and handed out gift cards donated by the Glendale Elks Lodge. A delicious In-N-Out meal was a highlight of the evening. Each child also received a gift thoughtfully donated by GUSD employees and a brand-new winter coat, bringing both joy and warmth to the season. GUSD extends a heartfelt thank you to the Student Wellness Services staff, who went above and beyond to bring this event to life; the celebration was truly a labor of love, carried out with care, compassion, and heart.

The district’s holiday efforts culminated on December 16 with the annual Holiday Gift Distribution, made possible through a partnership between Student Wellness Services and the Dual Language Immersion/English Language Development Services with the support of many generous community partners. More than 544 students and their families, including those nominated by school sites due to recent hardships and “newcomer” families new to the country, gathered for an evening filled with celebration and welcome. 

The event on the 16th featured holiday caroling by the Hoover High School Choir, photo opportunities with Santa, hot chocolate and cookies. Children got to take a trip to “Santa’s Toy Shop” where they selected special gifts for themselves generously donated by Glendale Council PTA, the Glendale Fire Department and the Chamlian Armenian School. Families each received a gift card provided by the Dual Language Immersion/English Language Development Services. The Assistance League of Glendale also helped amplify the holiday magic by providing support for Santa and his special helper to be on hand. GUSD’s Child Development and Child Care Department and the Glendale Educational Foundation also provided resources and support for this event. The joyous celebration would not have been possible without the Student Wellness Services staff and the Dual Language Immersion/English Learner Services staff, who worked seamlessly and collaboratively to ensure every family felt valued, embraced and supported by the school community.

Together, these events reflect GUSD’s ongoing commitment to fostering belonging, connection, and care, reminding families that they are supported, valued, and never alone—during the holidays and beyond.