Santa Arrives Early for Hundreds of Kids

Some of the children waited for two hours and more for their presents, patiently standing in line at the Guadalupe Community Center while Santa Claus handed out gifts, two to each child.

These were no greedy Christmastime kids. There was no pandemonium as the children accepted their presents and, even though most of the children appeared shy and reserved, their joy was unmistakable.

More than 850 children received presents Monday in Canoga Park at the 8th annual Holiday Party, co-sponsored by the Catholic Charities of Los Angeles and the LAPD’s West Valley station.

“We want to give them a happy day and recognize that Christmas comes to every neighborhood,” West Valley Division Capt. Val Paniccia said.

And at the same time, in Van Nuys, about 250 children were being feted by volunteers and police officers at the Van Nuys Division station, with its 2nd annual Holiday Party featuring face painting, gifts and food.

“Hopefully, we send them home with a smile and a stomachache,” said Senior Lead Officer George Aguilar, a coordinator of the Canoga Park event.

Though some of the children at the Guadalupe center said they will be getting presents on Christmas, many of them will count the two gifts they received Monday as their only toys this season.

“I grew up in an area like this and I know that for a lot of people Christmastime is not like this, it’s just a time for people to watch other kids have parties and get presents,” Aguilar said.

A dozen off-duty officers were among the nearly 60 volunteers on hand to corral the children into lines for the craft-making activities and to help give out the hundreds of presents donated for the party in Canoga Park.

The children were as orderly as 2- to 14-year-olds can be at a party, and they were quick to name the multitude of things they want for Christmas.

But 13-year-old Jessica Juarez of Canoga Park was happy to get the toys, but wanted one other thing most of all.

“I’d like, for Christmas, to be with my family,” she said. “I asked Santa Claus to bring them all to my house.”