Police Holiday Party Draws 1,000 Kids
The line to see Santa Claus at the La Colonia Police Storefront extended down Grant Avenue and around the corner onto Cooper Road.
More than 1,000 children visited the storefront’s Posada de Navidad on Wednesday and received a gift, cookies and doughnuts donated by sponsors.
Police Chief Art Lopez said nextyear he plans to reach 10,000 children.
While officers handed out teddy bears and other toys, Oxnard resident Donald Rahn dressed up as Santa, amusing some children while trying not to terrify others.
Most children clutched their gifts as they walked away happy.
While posing with Santa and greeting the children, Lopez shook his head in amazement at his officers’ hard work.
“You give them the impossible and say ‘Get it done,’ and they get it done,” Lopez said. “They’re amazing.”
Community affairs manager David Keith said planning for next year’s event will begin in January.
The Posada de Navidad was organized by Senior Officer Bob Camarillo and members of the storefront.
Sponsors included the Coalition for Community Development, La Colonia Neighborhood Council, the United States Marine Corp Toys for Tots Program, Food Share, La Paloma Restaurant, Tutor Time, the Oxnard Housing Authority and Boyd and Associates Security.
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