Holiday Wishes from Vienna Included
For more than three decades, Arnold Schwarzenegger has stepped into the role of Santa Claus, distributing gifts to children and families at the “Miracle on 1st Street” event at the Hollenbeck Youth Center in Los Angeles—families who would otherwise find it difficult to afford larger presents. This year, the celebration also included Christmas greetings from Austria. The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative took part in the initiative as well, contributing gifts such as scooters and LEGO sets, accompanied by warm holiday wishes from Vienna.
Credit: USC – Schwarzenegger Institute
Through this annual tradition, Arnold also reflects on his own story. When he first arrived in the United States, he had almost nothing himself. It was the generosity and support of new friends that gave him a sense of security and a new home. His journey is a reminder of how receiving help can grow into lived responsibility—and of how a single moment of generosity can offer lasting hope.