Full Notification

Media Availability – A Different Kind of Blue Christmas
 
Canoga Park.  Local media outlets are invited to witness a holiday toy giveaway at LAPD’s Topanga Police station, this coming Sunday,
December 18, 2016.  Santa Claus will visit between 10 AM and 2 PM, to help handout toys to kids and families who were identified through surveys and outreach.
 
“It’s a bit of a switch on a Blue Christmas that should make everyone smile,” said Capt. Paul Vernon, the commanding officer of the Topanga Patrol Division.  “We’d love to know LAPD blue makes kids and parents smile as much as the sight of Santa’s red suit.”
 
The real elf behind this event is Senior Lead Officer Brent Rygh (pronounced like RYE), who has organized the event annually since the Topanga police station was opened in 2009.  “All the kids and families helped, live in the immediate community,” Officer Rygh explained.  “Similarly, all the toys collected come from local residents and businesses.  The generous donors are the real elves in this holiday.”  Rygh estimates over 400 children and nearly 200 families will take part.
 
The event will take place in the community room of the Topanga police station.  Some toys will be delivered by officers to families later in the week.
 
 
EVENT DATE:                        Sunday, December 18, 2016
EVENT TIME:                         10 AM to 2 PM
LOCATION:                            21501 Schoenborn Street, Canoga Park
POINT OF CONTACT:            SLO Brent Rygh
 
 
 
This release is NOT a call for more kids or families to come to the event.  All potential recipients have been identified and were contacted in advance. 
 
 
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