Police continue holiday tradition

Greg Risling

COSTA MESA -- It’s become a time-honored tradition at the Police

Department.

For the past 14 years, police officers have teamed up with the

community to provide toys and a meal for needy families.

This year is no different except when you learn that the number of

donations this holiday season increased from last year’s amount.

Come Saturday, when families wait for their handouts at the

department’s West Side substation on 18th Street, more than 1,000 toys

will be distributed to children.

“This is a banner year for us,” said Officer John Smith, who estimated

that the department raised about $3,500 for the event. “The volunteers

who work here said they’ve seen more donations this year than they’ve had

in the past.”

The annual toy and food drive started in 1985 when the department

decided it would play a more active role in community-oriented projects.

Families with children younger than 12 are eligible to receive toys and a

hearty feast that include a five-pound ham, fresh fruit and canned goods.

After civic groups recommend which families would best benefit from the

donations, the department’s police association contacts the recipients.

It seems evident by the amount of toys and food received by the

department that people are showing their true spirit during the holiday

season. Whether the gifts are from elementary school kids donating canned

goods or an elderly woman who likes to make dresses for dolls, families

will have a good amount of donations to pick from.

Kids eager to find the coveted Pokemon toys at the police substation

might be disappointed to learn there will be only one puzzle with the

Japanese cartoon figures. There will be a lot of dolls -- Barbies

included -- as well as action figures from the movie “Toy Story 2.”

No matter the popularity of the toys, officers are more than happy to

help low-income families.

“When you see the kids’ faces light up when they get a toy, that is

the best gift for us,” Smith said. “The drive allows the fortunate people

in the community to help out those who aren’t as fortunate.”