Families Line Up For 'Miracle On 1st Street' Toy Giveaway In Boyle Heights

BOYLE HEIGHTS (CBSLA.com) — Hundreds of kids and their parents were lined up Saturday morning in Boyle Heights for the 34th Annual "Miracle on 1st Street" Toy Giveaway.

The event, at Hollenbeck Youth Center, at 2015 East First Street, was set to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, when 10,000 toys will be handed out to inner-city kids.

Big 5 donated truck-loads of toys for the event, which is the city's largest toy giveaway.

Ruby Padron, 10, wants a bike. She and her family showed up Friday night to be sure they were first in line.

"My mom mom works to get us stuff that we want. She works overnight, like she's at work right now. She comes home back at 3," Ruby said. "I'm very happy that they will do this for us."

Program Director Nati Correa said the event is all about spreading holiday cheer.

"We put a smile on their face, we feel like we're doing something right. We just want to see every kid happy."

Francisco Garcia, 11, is back for his 10th year. He said he and his sister are being raised by a single mom who cannot afford to buy them any presents. "They're really generous to give to so many."

For many kids in low-income families, the toys will be the only presents they will receive for the holidays.

Actor Tom Arnold and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will host the event that is expected to span three city blocks, where there will also be a parade and carnival.