The holiday tradition brings youth and staff together with one shared goal: making the season brighter for families who could use a little extra cheer. Each year, teens from both centers select three families from the community to participate. After collecting wish lists from parents or guardians, the teens take the lead by shopping for gifts, wrapping them with care, and preparing for a night of joyful giving.

To keep the surprise intact, staff from the two centers exchange the wrapped gifts ahead of time so teens don’t know which families they’re delivering to. On delivery night, the groups quietly drop off the presents, ring the doorbell, and dash away leaving behind smiles, laughter, and holiday magic. The evening wraps up with a joint celebration for the teens, marking a meaningful end to weeks of planning and generosity.

The event is sponsored by the San Diego County Parks Society, with funding shared between the Spring Valley and Lakeside Teen Centers, making the experience possible for youth and families alike.

“I love helping people,” said one REC Club participant. “It lets [the families] know that they're loved and that they belong in the world.”

“It hits their heart, and it makes me feel amazing because I'm giving presents to people who don't have presents,” said another.

“I feel very excited because this is my first time ever being on a trip and I just like helping people out,” said another participant new to Ring and Run.

While donations for this year’s Ring and Run event have already been collected, community members interested in supporting the tradition can look forward to opportunities to get involved next year by connecting with the San Diego County Parks Society.

More than a night of gift-giving, Ring and Run is a reminder of the power of kindness, youth leadership, and community connection, proving that even the simplest acts can create lasting holiday memories.

Learn more about our Teen Center REC Club program.