News & Events

Every holiday season, Team Panda brings the word “LOVE” into action by activating holiday celebrations for underserved youth in our communities. This December, Panda partnered with the Bell Gardens Boys & Girls Club and New Lexington School in El Monte, CA to spark joy for over 400 students. The students were buzzing with excitement as Team Panda transformed the club and school into a winter wonderland!

In preparation for the events, Panda Support Center and Cherng Family Trust associates learned more about the students through their wish lists, complete with their interests, hobbies and favorite things. Team Panda had the opportunity to select a student to sponsor with a gift. Through the generosity of our associates, all 400 students received a personalized gift at their event!

Panda volunteers decorated with shimmery tinsel and colorful balloons, giving the space a merry feel. As the students entered, their faces lit up with delight. Students enjoyed a tasty Panda Express meal, won prizes at the various game booths created by our volunteers, made bracelets with colorful beads, and took photos with silly props. They also got a surprise visit from our Panda mascot, Pei Pei, who greeted each student with a hug or high-five. The fun continued when the students received a Panda-branded backpack, three books of their choice, and of course, their Panda-sponsored gift complete with a photo with Santa. As the event concluded, you could still see the smiling faces of not only the students, but also school staff and our Panda volunteers.

A big thank you to our local Panda Express store operators who provided a delicious meal, and to our Panda associates who helped sponsor a student and dedicated their time to volunteer to create a memorable holiday season for local kids.