Police to Hand Out Food, Toys to Residents
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Southeast Division will host a Christmas gathering today to distribute more than 300 food baskets to families and 1,500 toys to children.
Police officers have been canvassing neighborhoods in search of the most needy families in the area, which includes some of the city’s poorest and most crime-ridden neighborhoods, a policewoman said.
“It’s a lot of work, but it is such a wonderful feeling because we are going to take care of some families and get to see the joy on their faces,†Officer Maria Maldonado said. The baskets will include frozen turkeys with trimmings and a toy for each child in the household.
Officers, volunteers and some residents donated the items.
One of the areas where baskets will be distributed is the Jordan Downs housing project, where tensions arose after officers shot a resident to death last month. Maldonado said the holiday gifts might help ease the situation.
The event starts at noon at the station, 145 E. 108th St. Free lunch will be served.
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