Coors Field Christmas event to host thousands of struggling families

DENVER (KDVR) — Thousands of kids and their parents will visit Coors Field on Saturday for the Denver Dream Center Merry Market.

The event is made possible by the Dream Center, Colorado Rockies and Toyota, which provide clothing, toys and other items to those who are struggling during the holidays.

“It’s been rough this year with like family having cancer and everything and it’s been hard on my kids,” said one recipient who attended a special gathering Wednesday for those who can’t travel to the Coors Field event on Saturday.

Her children were delighted to receive a large bag of gifts to take home.

“Makes me feel really thankful that they’re able to have a good Christmas,” she said.

Each year, Coors Field is transformed into a Christmas wonderland where more than 6,000 families are welcomed by more than 600 volunteers and workers who distribute donated gifts, toys and clothing.

“We’re not just outside in the parking lot we literally open the gates, you walk in behind home plate and you walk through the entire mezzanine level to right field and it’s photos with Santa it’s family opportunities,” said Denver Dream Center CEO and Founder Pastor Bryan Sederwall.

Sederwall, lovingly known as “Pastor B,” told FOX31 he and his wife started the effort by sponsoring one family in need.

“It started 18 years ago — has grown into what we do now — honestly I tell people I feel like Santa Claus,” said Sederwall.

As part of the event, Rocky Mountain Roofing and Exteriors Owner Ben Lalka adopted more than 30 families for the holidays donating items like bikes and clothing. Lalka told FOX31 it all hits close to home. He’s no stranger to tough times: As a child he too received help during the holidays and now it’s time to pay it forward.

“Christmas was hard, it really was. I remember my mom and just the stress it put on her not to be able to afford gifts,” he said.

Lalka said he will never forget the impact of the kindness shown by others.

“They delivered the gifts to us and it really was a miracle,” he said.

Lalka encourages others to explore opportunities to give back to those in their community not only during the holidays but year-round.

“It’s a really small gesture for a lot of people but it means the world to the people who need it,” he said.

The Denver Dream Center Merry Market takes place on Saturday, December 21st at Coors Field from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Online donations can be made on the Denver Dream Center website.