A visit from St. Nick

Santa Claus, a.k.a. David Fernandez, hugs Richard Fermen, 6, at Leo Politi Elementary School in Los Angeles.

Santa Claus, a.k.a. David Fernandez, hugs Richard Fermen, 6, at Leo Politi Elementary School in Los Angeles.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

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Santa Claus provides Christmas gifts to needy children with an assist from the Los Angeles Police Department, California Highway Patrol and U.S. Secret Service.

'Police dog'

Children at Leo Politi Elementary School laugh as they hug a costumed volunteer with the LAPD’s Metropolitan Division.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Giving spirit

Stanley Perez, 5, receives a gift at Leo Politi Elementary School. He said was going to give the gift to his mother.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Getting acquainted

Santa Claus shakes a student’s hand at Leo Politi Elementary School. The more than 1,100 gifts were donated by officers from the LAPD’s Metropolitan Division, CHP and the Secret Service.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

In the spirit

The Mounted Police watch students meet Santa at Leo Politi Elementary School.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)