LOS ANGELES — Mixing work with help this holiday season, Westlake Financial Services and its volunteering division P.A.L.S. (People Affecting Lives through Service), together built 20 bicycles to donate to children from the Boys & Girls Club of East Los Angeles this past Friday. 

During Westlake’s annual sales conference team-building event, employees were surprised when seven children representing the Boys & Girls Club arrived to receive the bicycle gifts, which included helmets.

On top of the bicycles and helmets, Westlake’s P.A.L.S. also donated $1,000 to the non-profit organization.

Commenting on the recent event, Mark Vazquez, Westlake vice president of sales, said he wanted to do something different this year. 

“Every year we fly in all of our sales reps and have this great team-building and bonding event. But this year, I wanted us to give back to the community. Westlake has been a part of the southern California landscape for over 20 years,” said Vazquez.

“Our P.A.L.S. program has done a great job in volunteering efforts, but I wanted the sales and marketing department to be a part of it, too, and the Boys & Girls Club provided that perfect opportunity,” he added.

Explaining the Boys & Girls Club of East Los Angeles in more detail, officials shared that the organization serves between 160–180 youths every day. 

Additionally, the club provides several after school enrichment programs tailored to different age groups. 

“They provide a safe location for children and young adults to study and play after school while their parents are still at work,” officials stressed.

Sonia Thong, a spokesperson for the Boys & Club of East Los Angeles, also expressed the club’s appreciation for Westlake’s gifts:  “On behalf of the Boys & Girls Club, we’d like to thank Westlake Financial for the generous donation of bikes, helmets, and cash,” Thong began.

“Many of our kids have asked for a bike on their Christmas wish list, but times are tough for many parents. Many of them have never had a bike. This will help immensely,” she added.

Westlake President Ian Anderson added: “The need for charitable giving is year-round, but it is during the holiday season that the need is brought into sharp focus. Westlake’s corporate culture emphasizes a family environment, and families help each other out during times of need. 

“Westlake is proud to be associated with the Boys & Girls Club of East Los Angeles, and look forward to partnering again in the New Year!” he concluded.