When children are seriously ill, even the holidays must take a back seat.

But they shouldn’t have to, say members of the Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California Inc.

On Sunday the nonprofit foundation, which provides emotional, social, educational, and emergency assistance to families with children who have been touched by cancer, held their annual 30^th Christmas party for current and former Loma Linda University Childrens Hospital cancer patients.

Nearly 500 children -- along with their parents, siblings and even grandparents -- were expected to fill the gymnasium at the Drayson Center in Loma Linda. Mariachis played, art and crafts were made, pizza was served and dozens of gifts purchased with money donated throughout the year were awarded to the children.

Some youngsters received a wrapped gift. Some received a bicycle. All of them got a Christmas celebration.

“It’s just in our hearts to make sure that this holiday is the best for these families,” said Armida Kersey, the foundation’s executive director.

And it means so much to the youngsters said Dalia Anzaldo. The Barstow resident attended the event with her husband and three girls, inlcuding 7-year-old Violeta.

Violeta was diagnosed with Leukemia on her fifth birthday, Anzaldo said. It turned their lives upside down and it made the holidays even more important, she said. Their family lived in Apple Valley at the time. Anzaldo’s husband worked in Barstow. They were forced to move to Colton to be close to the hospital, forcing her husband to travel a minimum of an hour and a half for work.

“The event is a special for them,” she said in Spanish. “They are happy to be meeting Santa and are having a great time.”