Local News in Brief : Police Officer Gives 120 Turkeys to Needy

A Los Angeles police officer did much of his Christmas giving a few days early.

On Monday, Officer Dennis Lockhart, 43, delivered 120 turkeys to charities that help needy families in North Hollywood and Simi Valley.

Lockhart, who lives in Simi Valley and works in North Hollywood, said he often sees and deals with needy families in his work, and he decided this year to do something that might make a difference during the holidays.

“I contemplated what to do through the year,” said the 17-year veteran. “I thought by doing this, it would at least ensure that some people would be able to have a Christmas dinner.”

The frozen turkeys cost Lockhart $1,000. With the help of City Councilman Joel Wachs, Lockhart delivered half of them to the county health center in North Hollywood, the Haven Hills shelter for battered women and children, the Salvation Army and the Valley Shelter. The other 60 turkeys were delivered to the Care and Share group for distribution in Simi Valley.

Lockhart said that he plans to make a similar donation annually and that he hopes his efforts might inspire others to help needy families.

“Hopefully, this will inspire more people to do it and get it to a grander scale,” he said. “If people can see that a person in my position can do it, hopefully someone in a better position will go out and do it better.”