8th Annual San Fernando Valley Christmas Celebration and Toy Giveaway One of the Largest Community Holiday Events in the City

WHAT:
Holiday Event and Toy Giveaway

WHEN:
Sunday, December 18, 2011
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Rain or shine)

WHERE:
Vista Middle School
15040 Van Nuys Boulevard
Panorama City, CA  91402
WHO:
LAPD Officers from Mission Division
Members from the LAPD Baseball Team
Grammy Award Winning Group All-4-One
Staff from Project Living Hope
Students from Vista Middle School

WHY:
To lift the spirits of needy children and families in the San Fernando Valley.  During the event, officers from LAPD’s Mission Division and players from the Department’s Baseball Team will partner with Project Living Hope, hundreds of volunteers, and event sponsors to host the 8th Annual San Fernando Valley Christmas Celebration and Toy Giveaway.  Police Officer Mike Scott, the event’s organizer anticipates more than 5,000 people to attend and enjoy the festivities.

Holiday celebration activities include a toy giveaway, a baseball clinic, an interactive game area with carnival games and prizes, face painting, a child photo identification station, live entertainment, performances by celebrity guests, complimentary lunch, static and interactive public safety displays, community outreach booths and a traditional tree lighting ceremony.  Officer Scott invites the public to bring new toys, make a donation or experience first-hand the joy of giving to someone in need.  He says, “if you have, come and give, if you need, come and receive.”  In addition, the San Fernando Valley Christmas Celebration and Toy Giveaway is free, and open to the public.

ADDITIONAL:
The LAPD Baseball Team, Vista Middle School  students, and a host of community volunteers will be unloading thousands toys donated by JAKKS Pacific Inc. Toy Company on Friday, December 16th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturday, December 17th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CONTACT:
For more information, please contact Police Officer Michael J. Scott at 661-753-7827, or Mission Division’s Community Relations Office at 818-838-9860, or visit: www.thehopeinyou.com.