By Lookout Staff

( Image courtesy of PAL)

More than 300 local youth and families attended the annual event at the PAL Youth Center on Halloween night, October 31, PAL officials reported this week. “Our collective commitment to providing enriching experiences for our community remains stronger than ever," said PAL director Eula Fritz, "and we can’t wait to make Spooktacular 2024 even more remarkable.” It was a "BOO-tiful evening," as the Center was transformed with "elaborate and spooky decorations," PAL officials said. There were "engaging activities" including trick-or-treat lane, arts and crafts, game booths and a "hair-raising" haunted house.

Also lending their support was the Santa Monica Police Department, that City Council and City Manager David White, PAL officials said.

PAL’s next must-attend event is its annual “Best Gift Ever Toy Drive,”
which was launched in 2005 to ensure that "no child in this city will ever spend a Christmas without receiving a really terrific present,” Fritz has said.

The annual event relies on the cooperative generosity of local businesses and residents who offer donations ranging from gift cards to bicycles for children who are regulars at the PAL center, which serves underprivileged families.

The gifts will be given to youths between the ages of 6 and 17 at PAL’s Holiday Workshop on Monday, December 11.