SHERIFF BACA AND SANTA CLAUS VISITED BROOKLYN ELEMENTARY

12/18/12

Christmas arrived early for the children at Brooklyn Elementary school. Sheriff Lee Baca; Dennis Hathaway, Vice President of Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.; Commander Henry Romero of Field Operations Region III, Commander Stephen Johnson and Captain Stacy Lee from Custody Headquarters; Captain James Wolak of East Los Angeles Station; and Captain Joseph Nunez of Century Regional Detention Facility, joined Santa Claus at the Brooklyn Avenue Early Education Center in East Los Angeles on Tuesday, December 18, 2012. The Sheriff, Mr. Hathaway, and retired Deputy Sheriff Charles "Bobby" Beals, who volunteered to play "Santa" for his 49th consecutive year, handed out toys to more than 100 delighted children. Their ages ranged from 3 years old to 6 years old. The children sang Christmas songs for everyone in attendance and did an outstanding job.



All gifts were made by inmates from the Century Regional Detention Center and Pitchess Detention Center facilities. They handcrafted approximately 2000 dolls and wooden toys which were donated to the school. The "doll" program began over 52 years ago as a work project for female inmates being housed in the Los Angeles County jail. This program remains a tradition today thanks to the generous donations of materials by the community and Department personnel. The young boys at the center received handmade wooden toys. These cars, trucks and helicopters were part of approximately 150 toys handcrafted by male inmates incarcerated at the Pitchess Detention Center. The remaining dolls and toys are distributed to underprivileged, or physically-challenged children throughout Los Angeles County.



"This year we look forward to visiting the Brooklyn Avenue Early Education Center to interact with the children," said Sheriff Baca. "It is indeed a joy to see the smiles on their faces as Santa Claus presents them with gifts provided through the effort of the staff and inmates at our jail facilities, and through the generous donations of Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. I was thrilled to have the pleasure of reliving the excitement of Christmas through a child's eyes and experiencing their enthusiasm as they sang and danced for us."



We appreciated having FOX 11 news run a live feed from this noteworthy event for the morning news. The school staff was very appreciative of the donations for their children and all in all, it was a heartwarming experience spending time with great children.





For more information please contact Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau at (323) 267-1973.

Contact Information: Sergeant Colin Matsumoto - (323) 264-4151, cmatsum@lasd.org