PEOPLEWATCH

Toys and Good Cheer: Denzel Washington, his wife Pauletta and Sheryl Lee Ralph will be distributing toys collected in the fifth annual L.A. Toy Drive to needy youths in such South-Central housing projects as Nickerson Gardens and Jordan Downs, on Thursday and leading a few rounds of Christmas carols in the process. This year, about 5,000 kids will receive gifts. “Each year we have been able to reach more and more kids literally by the thousands,” Washington said. “We’re trying to do what we can. We’re trying to spread a little joy.” Washington said this year the Christmas drive will be expanded to enable money to be raised for scholarships and a mentor program.