NEWS IN BRIEF

The Costa Mesa Police Department is asking residents to stop in the name

of the law and help the needy for Christmas.

The 14th annual Christmas Food and Gift Program began last week to help

needy families and children in the city. The goal is to provide a

Christmas dinner for 100 families along with a gift for each child 12 and

younger.

Assistance is needed to raise donations of money, canned food and new

unwrapped toys. Donations must be made by Dec. 8 and can be left at the

West Side Substation, 567 W. 18th Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays

or at the Costa Mesa Police Department’s main location at 99 Fair Drive

from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.