COMMUNITY GIVES, RECEIVES HOLIDAY CHEER LAPD BRINGS TOYS, SMILES TO NEEDY.

Byline: SUSAN ABRAM Staff Writer

MISSION HILLS -- The lines were long, but the smiles were wide.

Under a crisp blue sky, more than 5,000 children and their families received free toys and hot dogs Sunday during the Los Angeles Police Department's third annual San Fernando Valley holiday toy giveaway and concert, held at the LAPD's Mission Division station.

Churches, community groups, local businesses and residents donated toys and food -- enough to provide plenty of cheer to a community and its children.

``It's good for those of us who are struggling a little bit right now,'' said Sylmar resident Francis Guerrero, whose three children came away with portable CD players and a dragon castle for her 10-year-old son.

``This shows that the LAPD does good things for the community,'' she said.

Piles of toys -- Barbies, remote-control race cars, Monopoly and Twister board games, and even some small electronics for the older children -- sat on long tables as children took turns picking out items.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on a Harley, led by dozens of members of the Our Gang and Soldiers for Jesus motorcycle clubs.

Organizers from the LAPD, the Living Hope Community Church and the motorcycle clubs have said the event helps bring together the community and the LAPD, but it also fosters a motto: ``If you have, come and give. If you need, come and receive,'' said LAPD Officer Mike Scott, who helped organize the event.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LAPD Chief William Bratton met with residents to help kick off the festivities. The LAPD has planned several toy drives this month at various stations and communities.

``It's a real understanding between the LAPD and the community, and it shows affection for the community,'' Villaraigosa said. ``These events are for the children.''

Children took turns pulling on Santa Claus' coat, to say ``hi'' and make some last-minute requests.

Five-year-old Alexandra Espinoza munched on a Christmas cookie and asked Santa for a pony.

``A little one,'' she said. ``I would ride him outside.''

Her mother, 25-year-old Francisca Espinoza, called the event a blessing and a nice way to spend time with her daughter.

``It's beautiful,'' she said. ``I'm a single mother, so it's really just me and her, and her and me, and this helps.''

After visiting with the LAPD's K-9 unit and viewing some specialized vehicles the LAPD's elite forces use, little Alexandra received a little inspiration too.

``She has said she would like to be a police officer or a firefighter,'' Espinoza said of her daughter. ``If that's what she wanted, I would support her, but she's little, so each day she wants to be something else.''

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com

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3 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Sergio Castrellon eyes a table of toys during the LAPD's holiday toy giveaway in Mission Hills. More than 5,000 children received free toys.

(2 -- color) Emily Mercado sports a Santa hat as she waits for a gift at the LAPD's holiday toy giveaway and concert on Sunday. Churches, community groups, local businesses and residents donated toys and food.

(3 -- color) Youths enjoy a petting zoo at the LAPD's holiday toy giveaway on Sunday in Mission Hills.

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer