LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 19, 2025--
Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) welcomed more than 1,000 pediatric patients and families to its Downtown Los Angeles campus for the nonprofit’s 36th Annual Toys & Joy Holiday Party - a tradition rooted in compassion, care, and community support.
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Red Sled Santa and guest at LuskinOIC's Toys & Joy (Photo credit, Mark Wang Photography)
The celebration opened with LuskinOIC’s beloved mascot, Ozzie the Dragon, who arrived in a SWAT BearCat to welcome families to the campus. America Idol warm-up Host, Josh Randall, served as Emcee, while Nayah Damasen, Draculaura on Monster High, delivered a powerhouse musical performance.
Actors, musicians, comedians, and supporters showed up in force to support LuskinOIC families and help Santa distribute toys and gifts. Guests included Keith David ( The Lowdown ), Kevin Nealon ( SNL ), Susan Yeagley ( Parks & Rec ), Jharrel Jerome, Annie Gonzalez ( Jenni ), Mary Lou Belli (Television Director/Producer and author "Acting for Young Actors," LuskinOIC Gala Honoree), Michael Hitchcock ( Nobody Wants This ), DeVaughn Nixon ( The Christmas Showdown ), Fernando Carsa ( Acapulco ), Sufe Bradshaw ( Veep ), Andrea Londo ( Matlock ), Matthew Von Der Ahe ( Champions ), Max Reeves ( Plurbius ), Sierra Sky Fisher (Songwriter), Bella Blanding ( 9-1-1- Lone Star ), Briana Lily, Gable Nealon, Brooke Thomas (Good Day LA), Crawford Wilson ( Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender ), Shelia Celine (Barbie World), Bj Korros (Celebrity Page), and Jennifer Leigh ( Blow for Blow ).
Santa made a gravity-defying entrance by rappelling down the Luskin Medical Pavilion after arriving via helicopter, courtesy of LuskinOIC’s longtime partners at the LAPD SWAT team. Families enjoyed hands-on activities for all ages, including a 360° photo booth, LA Galaxy soccer darts, Joy Card Project holiday card creation to be received by someone in elder care, blankets, books, and photos with Santa and Ozzie. DJ Amused and Angeleno Brass kept spirits high with holiday music throughout the day. Every child went home with gifts—and memories to last a lifetime.
Created to ensure pediatric patients, their siblings, and under-resourced children experience the joy of the holidays, Toys & Joy demonstrates LuskinOIC’s holistic approach to healing. “At LuskinOIC, we believe care goes beyond medicine,” said Dr. Anthony Scaduto, President and CEO of LuskinOIC. “Toys & Joy reflects who we are—not just providing expert medical care, but creating moments of comfort, connection, and hope for the families we serve.”
Now in its 114th year, LuskinOIC provides expert pediatric orthopaedic care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. With more than 85% of patients underinsured, the nonprofit relies on generous donors and partners to advance access to excellent orthopaedic care across Los Angeles and beyond. In alliance with UCLA Health, LuskinOIC serves more than 60,000 patient visits annually and offers pro bono care in communities including Calexico and Mexicali.
Toys & Joy is a culmination of a year-long toy collection program, and also made possible by our wonderful donors and partners which include: LA Galaxy, LA Ghostbusters, The Book Foundation, Photobooth Party LA, Hero Dental, Insomnia Cookies, Capri Sun, Joy Card Project, Project Sunshine, Angeleno Brass, Mattel, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Orthopaedic Medical Magnet High School, UCLA & USC student organizations, LuskinOIC’s support groups, and the LAPD SWAT team.
As the organization closes another impactful year, it remains dedicated to helping families feel supported—not just during the holidays, but every day.
For more information, visit luskinoic.org, support via donation, follow us @LuskinOIC.
About LuskinOIC: Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) was founded in 1911 as Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital and today is the largest pediatric orthopaedic facility on the West Coast focused solely on musculoskeletal conditions in children, with 85% of our patients underinsured. We receive more than 60,000 patient visits annually and extend our pro-bono services to patients in Calexico and Mexicali, among other cities worldwide. In alliance with UCLA Health and with the support of the LuskinOIC Foundation, we advance pediatric orthopaedics worldwide through outstanding patient care, medical education, and research. Our locations in downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Westwood, and Calexico treat the full spectrum of pediatric orthopaedic disorders and injuries. For more information, visit us at LuskinOIC.org.
Friends of LuskinOIC helped Santa hand out gifts to over 1,000 pediatric patients, children in the community, and families. Top Row, L - R: Shelia Celine, Crawford Wilson, Gable Nealon, Susan Yeagley, Kevin Nealon, Keith David, Sufe Bradshaw, Jharrel Jerome, Briana Lily, Fernando Carsa, Bella Blanding. Bottom Row, L - R: Michael Hitchcock, Jennifer Leigh, Mary Lou Belli, Annie Gonzalez, Andrea Londo, Max Reeves (Photo credit, Mark Wang Photography)
