A Holiday Remembered by the Kindness of Strangers

 
Los Angeles: On October 11, 2002, Lashanda Stevens was shot and killed during a dispute in the 77th Street Area of Los Angeles. The slain woman left four children behind, and passed on to her mother, Aretha Pollard, the responsibility to provide for their care.
Already reeling from the death of another daughter with a teenage child, Ms. Pollard found herself the sole provider for five grandchildren. The children with ages ranging from 17 years of age to a one-year- old infant live with the 62 year-old Lakewood grandmother in a two-room apartment.
In the face of adversity, the holidays will be a little brighter due to the generosity of a group of Los Angeles Police Department personnel. The LAPD Internal Affairs Advocate Section is coordinating donation s of clothing and Christmas presents for the family and approximately $500.00 has been raised to date.
On December 18, 2002 at 1:00 p.m., the LAPD personnel and others who have wished to participate will be presenting Ms. Pollard and her family with a Christmas tree and gifts to celebrate a joyous time of year. The Pollards address is 4928 Castona, Avenue, Apartment #12, in Lakewood, CA. The media is invited to cover this special event.
Please direct any inquiries regarding this media advisory to Public Information Officer, Jack Richter, and Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.