By Mary O’KEEFE

Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Dept. hosted its annual winter toy giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 18 at Crescenta Valley Park.

CV Park supervisor Jason Hauser estimated a total of 400 individuals came to the event throughout the day – fewer families than in years past. But those who came were glad they did. Kids were able to pick out toys, were given a stocking full of goodies and got a picture and visit with Santa Claus. Then the family was treated to a continental breakfast and was able to sit down and watch “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Screening of the Disney movie was made possible by The Balcony of LA.

The families were also given a box of groceries to help with their holiday dinner.

Volunteers from Crescenta Valley High School Prom Plus Club and the Parks and Rec programs were there early in the morning to help set up and support the event.

The annual toy and food distribution was canceled last year due to the pandemic. In years past well over 600 individuals came to the event, which is co-hosted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept.-Crescenta Valley Station. This year the station sent over toys that had been collected but did not participate like in years past.

In addition to toys for the event, the LASD-CV Station has been collecting food items, which have been donated to the Bailey Center in Tujunga.

Photos by Mary O’KEEFE