Esther first attended KYCC’s Holiday Carnival when she was seven years old. Growing up with a small family, many holidays were spent with just her and her mom. When her mom heard about KYCC’s Holiday Carnival, they decided to attend so that Esther could take part in the fundamental holiday tradition of receiving a gift. Their first experience at the event was something that Esther still remembers to this day, “it was heartwarming to be able to be among children and families…the whole experience created a sense of community and normalcy during the once dreary holidays.” 

Following their first experience at the Holiday Carnival, it became a cherished tradition that Esther and her mom could experience together year after year. Looking back with gratitude, Esther recalls the year where she received a full Barbie kitchen set as a gift through the Carnival, giving her the opportunity to experience a piece of quintessential lifestyle she longed for and “experience the simple joy of being a child.” 

For years, the Holiday Carnival became a shared tradition between Esther and her mom. “The Carnival helped create core childhood memories filled with precious moments with my mom,” says Esther. “Because of financial constraints, my mom and I seldom had the opportunity to experience things together, so I always waited in anticipation of KYCC’s Holiday Carnival. The anticipation and the event itself really made some tough periods of life bearable.” 

Esther looks back fondly on her memories made at KYCC’s Holiday Carnival. “It’s amazing to see the Holiday Carnival bring people together from different backgrounds and cultures through shared experiences during the holiday season. The event allows families to set everything aside for the night and focus on creating special memories with their loved ones – an experience they may not otherwise have,” says Esther. “The holidays can be a challenging time of grief and hardship for some households, so the Holiday Carnival provides a safe and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy without worrying about their usual stressors in life.”

KYCC was a pivotal part of Esther’s childhood and left an imprint on her heart into her adulthood. Esther went on to become an intern with KYCC Clinical Services program and is now a mental health therapist based in Los Angeles with the LA County Department of Mental Health and also owns her own private practice, CogniThrive Collective.

For over 30 years, KYCC’s Holiday Carnival has been a cornerstone of holiday cheer for our community in Koreatown. Each year, we engage over 300 volunteers and host 15 toy drives to create a festive celebration for over 2,000 children and families. This cherished tradition ensures that families in need are able to experience the magic of the season, filled with gifts, festivities, and a sense of community. 

Donate today in the spirit of K-Town and make a lasting impact this holiday season!