Deputies Give Away More Than 50,000 Toys

In its largest effort to date, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday handed out more than 50,000 toys--valued at more than $500,000--to dozens of organizations dedicated to helping area children.

“We handed out everything from baby rattles to train sets,” said Deputy Harry Van, who helped organize the drive. “We gave away everything imaginable.”

There was one exception, however: No toy guns were given away.

“We tried to stay away from any kind of toy that promotes violence,” he said.

The Sheriff’s Department started its annual toy drive eight years ago, handing out a few hundred toys to several charities.

“Last year, we gave away 25,000,” Van said. “This year we doubled that. When you reach out and help a child have a real Christmas, it’s wonderful. It may only be a gift or two, but you feel proud.”