Long Beach Twin Sisters Race Against Time to Bring Christmas to Thousands of Children

Long Beach women Lynda Moran and Brenda Wilson, both 75, are racing against time to bring Christmas to thousands of children. For the past three decades, the sisters have organized the Children’s Christmas Store, a free toy event that allows children to shop for new gifts. This year, they face unprecedented challenges and a desperate need for support.

A Legacy of Giving

Since 1993, the sisters have held the Children’s Christmas Store, a tradition that has become a staple in the Long Beach community. Every year, volunteers and donors bring toys, and children—often from low‑income families—receive as many gifts as they can carry. Lynda Moran explained the event’s name: “The event’s name is a store because they’re allowed to shop for free. They carry that bag all around.” The sisters’ commitment has turned the event into a lifeline for many, ensuring that no child misses out on the holiday spirit. Their dedication has earned them recognition and gratitude from families who rely on the generosity of strangers.

Roadblocks and Resilience

Preparing for the 31st annual event has hit a couple of road blocks: tariffs and an inconsistent economy, the sisters said. “We feel that this year is worse than during the pandemic,” Moran, who also runs New Image Emergency Shelter for the Homeless, said. The sisters have had to navigate rising costs and supply shortages, which have strained their ability to secure the necessary toys. Despite these obstacles, they remain determined to keep the store open, driven by the belief that the event is essential for the children who attend. Their resilience is evident in their continued outreach to donors and volunteers, even as personal challenges mount.

The Urgent Need for Toys

Last year, the sisters received generous contributions from several donors who had supported the event for years. This year, however, they lost three of their largest toy donors, as Moran noted: “We had some funders that we’ve had routinely for a couple of years. This year, we lost three of our largest toy donors.” With the loss of these key contributors, the sisters now face a critical shortfall. They need at least 30,000 toys by next weekend to push forward with the charity event, which also provides shoes, refreshments, and a visit from Santa to homeless children and those from low‑income households.

Personal Stakes

The sisters are not only community leaders but also patients battling cancer together. “All of these children come from homeless and low‑income (families, )” said Moran. “The compassion and need — that’s why I do it even if I have chemo.” “Without this Christmas Store, these are the children that would not have Christmas,” Brenda Wilson said. Their personal battles add urgency to their mission, as they strive to deliver joy to children while managing their own health struggles. The sisters have been running the annual Christmas event nearly half their lives, a testament to their unwavering dedication despite the hardships they face. Their story underscores the profound impact that a single family can have on a community.

How to Help

Donors can visit the event’s website or call Lynda Moran at 562 -822-7657 and Brenda Wilson at 562-972-4441. The sisters are pleading for donations, especially from large companies that can provide hundreds of toys. They have reached out to potential supporters, emphasizing the importance of a strong toy supply for the upcoming event. Each contribution, whether a single toy or a bulk donation, can help bridge the gap left by the missing donors and ensure that the event can continue its tradition of giving. By supporting the sisters, donors help sustain a program that brings hope and holiday cheer to countless children in need.

Community Impact

The Children’s Christmas Store has become a beacon of hope for many in Long Beach. Families who might otherwise struggle to find affordable holiday gifts rely on the event’s generosity. The store’s ability to provide shoes, refreshments, and a visit from Santa creates a memorable experience for children who face daily hardships. Volunteers, local businesses, and community members all play a role in making the event possible. The sisters’ long‑standing relationship with the community has fostered a culture of giving that extends beyond the event itself. Their efforts demonstrate how sustained volunteerism can transform a city’s holiday landscape.

Call to Action

The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Long Beach Hilton on Ocean Boulevard. As the deadline approaches, the sisters urge anyone who can help to step forward. Whether through monetary donations, toy contributions, or volunteer time, every act of generosity brings the event closer to its goal of 30,000 toys. The sisters have worked tirelessly for nearly 30 years, and their request for help reflects the reality that community support is essential for the event’s survival. By acting now, donors can ensure that children receive the gifts and joy they deserve this holiday season.

Key Takeaways

• The sisters have run the Children’s Christmas Store for 31 years, delivering toys, shoes, refreshments, and Santa visits to thousands of children.
• They need at least 30,000 toys by next weekend to keep the event running, after losing three major toy donors.
• Donors can call Lynda Moran at 562 -822-7657 or Brenda Wilson at 562-972-4441 to contribute.

Long Beach’s twin sisters Lynda Moran and Brenda Wilson continue to embody the spirit of giving, even as they confront personal health challenges. Their story is a reminder that community support can make a tangible difference in the lives of children who need it most. The call for donations is urgent, and every contribution helps keep the Children’s Christmas Store alive for another year of holiday magic.