Cops For Kids To Brighten Christmas For Needy Families In The LEUSD

The holiday season can be joyous ... or an extremely difficult time of year.

Cops for Kids and the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station are teaming up together to spread holiday cheer to those in need. 

On Saturday, Dec. 15, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station and firefighters from Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department will be handing out toys to 350 local children.

The officials will load patrol cars and fire trucks with toys to make their rounds -- lights and sirens on, alerting families that Cops for Kids have arrived. Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station Captain Shelley Kennedy-Smith is scheduled to be part of the valley-wide caravan of patrol vehicles. Local fire stations have been collecting toys through the "Spark of Love" program to help provide for the gift distribution. (Click here to find out how you can donate to the Spark of Love program.)

The Cops for Kids program this year opted to hand out toys to elementary students -- based on need -- within the Lake Elsinore Unified School District.

Cops for Kids will continue to spread the good cheer Saturday, Dec. 21 as  deputies and firefighters host an invite-only breakfast with Santa at Lakeside High School. 

Children and their families will enjoy the morning with Saint Nick, including photos, a light breakfast, and opening presents under a Christmas tree. 

In total, Cops for Kids will help more than 500 children this year, according to a statement. The program is funded by donations from local businesses that also help provide emergency support and services to needy families throughout the year.

For more information, visit copsforkidsinc.org.