LASD 999 For Kids Annual Toy Drive
LASD 999 FOR KIDS ANNUAL TOY DRIVE
#LASD Special Victims Bureau hosted an amazing 33rd Annual “999 for Kids” Christmas Party with Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services personnel and student volunteers from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM).
The mission: Assist severely disabled and abused children who were victims of the most severe cases of child abuse, neglect and domestic violence. For the last 33 years, children participating in the 999 for Kids program have been treated to a holiday party where they can find joy in a safe environment particularly designed for their happiness and which accommodates any of their special needs.
The Sheriff’s Training and Regional Services (STARS) Center was transformed into a holiday wonderland where over 500 children and 350 parents were invited to the Christmas party. At the makeshift North Pole Village, the children received toys, a meal from McDonald’s fast food restaurants, and participated in activities. They visited the petting zoo, an inflatable jumper, AKC Community Canines, “Bella” the horse, face-painting and much much more.
There were snowball fights and visits to Santa’s toy workshop to make personalized holiday crafts, and take a picture with Santa Claus.
The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising donated clothing, accessories, school supplies, and books to each participating family from their FIDM Scholarship Foundation’s store, located in downtown Los Angeles.
This awesome event wouldn’t be possible without the amazing volunteers helping us to make it special for everyone that attended.