EL DORADO — Saturday was an eventful day with many holiday-focused events taking place throughout the community.
One was the 8th annual “Give a Child a Christmas” at Jason Allan Barber College, which drew a crowd on an unusually warm afternoon and quickly turned into an indoor-outdoor Christmas party.
JABC students frequently participate in community events offering free or discounted haircuts, and the college’s annual Christmas event has become a community staple.
Inside were toys that had been donated free of charge to the visiting children. Santa and the Grinch will also be available for photos with a 360-degree photo booth.
Bounce houses, live DJs, food, facial sores and more entertained the many outdoor attendees.
Young Artist Studio, a local nonprofit and dance collective, also performed during the event.
Jason Freese, the school’s owner, said the event was designed simply to give back to the community.
“It was all done by the community and for the community,” he said.
“It helps give kids hope.”
Freese said El Dorado High School JROTC students collected toys for the toy drive portion of the event, and some stopped by Saturday to paint faces and help out.