Holiday Cheers to Disadvantaged Women and Children

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Police Department, the United States Secret Service and California Highway Patrol are combining forces in a joint operation to make the fifth annual "A Better Christmas" occur on Thursday, December 14, 2000. "A Better Christmas" is a charity drive to deliver Christmas presents and food items to the needy residents at three different locations within the City of Los Angeles.
A mock Presidential motorcade will depart from the Roybal Federal Building. The motorcade will consist of LAPD and CHP lead vehicles and two presidential limousines. The first limousine will transport Santa and Mrs. Claus. The second limousine will transport other guests and VIPs including Los Angeles Police Chief Bernard C. Parks and the CEOs of Ralph’s Food Corp. and Mattel Toys Inc. Following the limousines will be numerous vans containing toys and food items donated by Ralph’s Food Corp., Mattel Toys Inc., See’s Candies, Valle Brothers Flowers, United Airlines, American Airlines, Troy House and NBC Studios.

Prior to the arrival of the motorcade at each location, helicopters from the LAPD’s Air Support Division will do a fly-by to announce Santa’s arrival. Members of the media are invited to attend this event. Media personnel are asked to assemble at Our Lady of Loretto Elementary School, 258 North Union Street in Los Angeles, at 11:30 a.m.

For further information, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

For Release 10:00 am PST
December 14, 2000