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“Boots and Badges” Event Spreads Holiday Cheer in Banning
Boots and Badges Holiday Event Brings Christmas Joy to Banning and Beaumont Communities
First Annual “Boots and Badges” Holiday Event Brings Christmas Joy to Banning and Beaumont
BANNING, Calif. – December 6, 2025 – The Banning Police Department, Cowboys 4 A Cause, and Banning-Beaumont Elks Lodge No. 1839, in partnership with multiple Riverside County agencies and local businesses, hosted the first annual Boots and Badges holiday event to support families in need from the Banning and Beaumont communities. More than 300 children and over 100 adults attended the celebration, which focused on sharing the spirit of Christmas with local families.
The event was organized with support from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Investigations, Probation Department, Sheriff’s Department, and Victim Services, along with business partners including Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Pedder Nissan, Top Gun Lavish Restrooms, and Banning RV. Promotional materials invited families to the Banning Police Department for a holiday gathering featuring Santa, toys, food, and first responder displays.
Approximately 40 volunteers representing agencies and organizations helped collect thousands of toys through community toy drives and donation efforts. Each child attending the event selected two toys and received a photo with Santa Claus, whose arrival and personal greetings to every child became the highlight of the day. Fire trucks on display allowed children to climb aboard and learn more about the work of local first responders.
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Chick-fil-A locations in Yucaipa and Highland donated about 400 meals, providing a festive lunch for participating families. Toy donations were gathered through the combined efforts of the Banning Police Department, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Offices, the Banning-Beaumont Elks Lodge, and businesses throughout the community.
Banning Police Chief V. Avila expressed pride in his officers and staff for dedicating countless hours to planning the event, emphasizing the department’s ongoing commitment to serving and protecting the community. Mike Drake of Cowboys 4 A Cause noted that his organization has hosted similar toy drive events for more than 17 years in Norco and recognized a need to extend that tradition to the Banning and Beaumont area.
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Brad Lawrence, Exalted Ruler of Banning-Beaumont Elks Lodge No. 1839, highlighted that charity is central to the mission of the Elks and shared that the Lodge was honored to be invited to participate alongside community leaders and partner agencies. Information about the Lodge underscores its long-standing dedication to youth, veterans, and community service, which aligned closely with the goals of the Boots and Badges event.
Organizers agreed that the true success of the event was reflected in the smiles of children and the renewed sense of hope and holiday spirit among families. Plans are already underway to make Boots and Badges an annual holiday tradition for the Banning and Beaumont communities.
About Cowboys 4 A Cause
Cowboys for a Cause is a community-focused organization that has supported families through holiday toy drives and charitable events for more than 17 years, originally in the City of Norco and now in neighboring communities. Cowboys 4 A Cause
About Banning-Beaumont Elks Lodge No. 1839
Banning-Beaumont Elks Lodge No. 1839 is part of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a fraternal organization dedicated to charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity, with a strong focus on youth programs, veterans, and local community service. Elks Lodge 1839
About the Banning Police Department
The Banning Police Department serves the City of Banning with a commitment to public safety, community engagement, and partnership-building efforts such as the Boots and Badges holiday event. Banning Police Department
About Riverside County DA Investigations
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Investigations Division is responsible for supporting criminal investigations and prosecution efforts throughout the county, working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice and community safety. Riverside County DA Investigations
About Riverside County DA Victim Services
Riverside County Victim Services provides critical support and resources to individuals and families affected by crime, helping them navigate the legal process and recover from trauma. Riverside County DA Victim Services
About Riverside County Probation
Riverside County Probation supervises individuals placed on probation by the courts, offering rehabilitation programs and community-based services to promote accountability and reduce recidivism. Riverside County Probation
All four agencies played a vital role in the Boots and Badges event, demonstrating their commitment to serving and supporting the Banning and Beaumont communities beyond their official duties.
