Pechanga Steps Up Holidays For Underserved Local Kids

TEMECULA, CA — More than 300 underprivileged kids from southwest Riverside County will be treated to gift giveaways, food, photos with Santa and other delights Thursday when the Pechanga Resort Casino hosts its fifth annual "Holiday of Hope."

Youths from school districts in Lake Elsinore, Murrieta and Temecula will receive a full slate of Christmas entertainment, in what the resort touted as a "magical holiday night to remember."

The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pechanga Summit, 45000 Pechanga Parkway.

"The Holiday of Hope provides underserved children ... with a memorable holiday celebration they might not otherwise be able to have this season," according to the resort.

Multiple stations will be in operation for the giveaways, and officials said five former Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Chargers players will be on hand during the event.

"Each child will receive a $100 gift card," the resort stated.

The children and their families were selected to take part in the event by administrators in their school districts, officials said.