Rain Doesn’t Dampen the Spirit of Giving

The rain Sunday forced members of the California Narcotics Officers Assn. to drop plans for a fund-raising motorcycle run to benefit the Sylmar Health and Rehabilitation Center.

But even though no one got to ride in the event, organizers turned over a check for $2,000 to the center.

“Hopefully, next year when we do this, we’ll have a sunny day,” said Dr. Paul Toffel, a reserve Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy and one of 2,200 members of the association in the county.

The check from the association was one of many received by the Sylmar Health and Rehabilitation Center since its $5,500 Christmas shopping fund was stolen Dec. 12.

In all, the center received $30,000 in donations by well-wishers who heard about its misfortune.

Some of the money that came in was shared with the Hollenbeck Youth Center in Boyle Heights, which this Christmas season was robbed of 3,500 toys.

The narcotics officers group--which includes prosecutors and law enforcement officials--organized the ride because of the robbery of the Sylmar center’s fund. But members of the group say they hope it becomes an annual event.

The check was presented to Cherlyn Brintnell-Hawkins, administrator for the Sylmar facility.

Brintnell-Hawkins, standing in her office, which was overflowing with presents, said the money would be used to help patients buy shoes, socks, eyeglasses, dentures and other personal effects they cannot afford.

The motorcycle ride was supposed to end at the center.

The law enforcement group came anyway, but in more conventional transportation. They toured the facility--which cares for 205 adult patients with severe chronic and mental illnesses--before presenting the check.

Members of the organization said the patients seemed pleased to have visitors.

“Most of the clients have no support network,” said Barry Havlik, an Orange County mental health specialist who refers clients to the center.

“Any show of attention, any support that is offered to them is a big thing.”