Police Adopt 50 Families for Yule Giveaway

The Police Department has adopted 50 families for its annual Christmas Giveaway.

This year’s effort will include a South Coast Symphony Youth Orchestra pops concert Sunday to benefit the giveaway.

The event, in its fifth year, is sponsored by several businesses throughout the city, said Community Service Officer Jeanette Chervony.

“We provide a full dinner for the families and all kids 12 and under get a gift,” she said. “Some families have one child and one family has eight kids.”

The Sunday concert at Orange Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theater will be at 8 p.m. The program includes selections from Mozart’s “Magic Flute,” Rossini’s “Barber of Seville,” Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” and other holiday favorites, said Laura Wilson, development director.

“We wanted to do outreach (in) Costa Mesa since we’re not at the college this year because of the renovation work there,” Wilson said. “It’s another opportunity for our youth orchestra to perform, and we want to give back to the city because they have supported us.”

Backers hope the concert raises between $5,000 and $7,000 for the needy families.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, students and children under 12. Children under 4 are free. Ticket offerings also include a $30 family plan, providing admission for two adults and four children, Wilson said.

Tickets are being sold at the South Coast Symphony Office (714) 662-7220.

For information on the Christmas Giveaway, call Chervony at (714) 722-6714.