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One night, 100 kids, countless smiles.
Wide-eyed excitement echoed through the West Hills, California, Walmart on Dec. 8 as some 100 children joined The Salvation Army and the Los Angeles Rams for a holiday shopping spree in partnership with Los Angeles personal injury attorney Jacob Emrani of Call Jacob—giving kids the chance to choose their own Christmas gifts.
The annual event, now in its ninth year and part of a decade-long partnership between The Salvation Army and the Rams, brought together 20 Rams players and more than 130 Rams volunteers, 25 Salvation Army volunteers and children from seven local communities for an unforgettable evening. With the store’s garden center transformed into a winter wonderland, each child was paired with a volunteer to pick out $200 worth of items.
For the Rams, this tradition has deep roots. David Weingarten, Rams Senior Manager of Community Impact and Engagement—who helped launch the event in 2016—said the idea grew out of the team’s return to Southern California and its desire to meet real needs in the community.
“The inspiration stemmed from a desire to use the team’s platform to address needs in this community during the holiday season, particularly for underserved youth facing challenges like homelessness, poverty and family hardships, ”Weingarten said. “Partnering with The Salvation Army allows us to create joyful lifelong memories for kids during the holiday season.”
Since that first year, he said, the event has grown steadily.
“More volunteers participate, more sponsors come on board, and the experience keeps getting better for the kids,” he said.
Delivering hope
“Some of these kids, this may be the only thing they get to choose for themselves for Christmas—and it’s really cool we get to be involved,” said Major Lisa Barnes, Divisional Secretary for Metro Los Angeles, who reminded volunteers why moments like this matter so deeply. “I grew up as a kid in the margins. I’m pretty sure I never received a Christmas that wasn’t from The Salvation Army. This is hope. It may look like a bag of toys, but it’s a reminder that you’re not alone. Life can get better, and the community is behind you.”
The shopping spree is a signature moment in the Rams’ Season of Giving campaign, and for many players, the event is just as meaningful for them as it is for the kids.
Defensive End Kobie Turner, volunteering as a shopping spree helper for the second time, said the joy is contagious.
“It’s such a fulfilling event to walk around and shop with the kids—to be here in person, hear their stories, and see their joy,” Turner said. “Some were picking things not just for themselves, but for their family. It meant a lot, and I’m really glad my wife could be here, too.”
Lineman Ty Hamilton, attending for the first time, said he hopes it won’t be his last.
“It feels good to give back, and I definitely want to come back,” he said.
Rams Member Service Representative Brittany Douglas, who has been to every shopping spree, said this is one of the events she looks forward to most each year.
“I love seeing the kids have joy and excitement—watching them be happy is emotional for me,” she said. “They’re such sweethearts, such pure souls.”
Nineteen-year-old Gaby Gonzalez volunteered after searching for a way to give back locally during the holidays.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping people who struggle—kids or adults,” she said. “I was almost too nervous to come to my first event, but I’m so excited I did.”
Walmart staff joined in, too. Coach Lily Enzo created custom Rams-Salvation Army logo sweatshirts with her Cricut for employees to wear.
“You can see how happy the kids are,” Enzo said. “It really touches my heart. It’s a busy day, but no one complains because we know it’s for something good.”
Pure Christmas joy
For the kids, the night brought joy they’ll remember long after Christmas.
Shareef, 11, proudly chose a PlayStation—something he’d dreamed of.
“I’m happy,” he said, planning for the games he’d play first.
Seven-year-old Mateo picked out Hot Wheels, a sweater and new shoes.
“It was really fun,” he said.
Volunteer Dr. Jake Auguas, a Biola University professor and Rams season ticket holder, attended after a student invited him.
“This is my first Salvation Army event, and what struck me is how low-key, loving and kind everyone is. It’s awesome to take off the business hats and just serve,” he said. “Some of the kids don’t even know who the players are—and that humility is good for the players, too.”
For Weingarten, these unscripted moments are the clearest expression of why the event matters.
“The power of the shopping spree shines through in the heartfelt exchanges between kids and volunteers,” he said. “When they roll out of the store with new bikes or toys and their faces glowing with joy—you see the impact right there.”
The Rams’ Season of Giving initiative includes shoe distributions, support for fire-impacted families and community celebrations throughout December. For The Salvation Army, partnerships like this help meet growing needs as families face rising costs, food insecurity and housing instability.
“This event is about giving kids one unforgettable day of pure holiday joy,” Weingarten said. “These are moments they’ll always remember, because someone showed up just for them. We hope it keeps delivering that same light every December.”
Photos by John Docter.
Do Good:
- Join us in giving joy to families who are experiencing poverty, hunger, job loss and more. Your generosity offers joyful reassurance that even during our most challenging times, we are not alone.
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