NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: 'TIS THE SEASON OF GOODWILL AND VOLUNTEERISM.

Byline: Charlie Dusheck

May I be among the first to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

'Tis the season when many people join in a spirit of goodwill to share. Today's column asks you to consider sharing your good fortune with others less lucky.

The holidays will be upon us in a tick of Father Time's clock with shopping, visiting, gaining 5 pounds, decorating trees, cleaning, cooking, etc. It is also the time of year when the Los Angeles Police Department, Neighborhood Watch and the many support groups, such as Police Activity League Supporters put on their Santa Claus suits and hold festive gatherings, give food baskets to needy persons, to seniors and especially toys to children.

They request our help - you, companies, markets, schools, all persons with the holiday spirit of giving. Many Neighborhood Watch captains will gather food and toys in their area, schools and employers will form groups and contribute. Again, they count on you. Please support your neighborhood police division as follows:

All Valley LAPD Divisions: The following items are needed by all five San Fernando Valley divisions. Deliver or mail the following to the division in your area.

Nonperishable food such as canned goods, dried foods, etc.

Toys for children 2 to 12 years, new and unwrapped, except as noted.

Checks accepted for last minute perishables and other extras labeled ``Christmas.''

Volunteers to help serve, work with children and be Santa's helpers.

Foothill Division: Last year they gave away more than 750 food baskets to needy families and many more toys to children. Volunteers are needed to help with deliveries or mailings. Contact Foothill Community Relations, 12760 Osborne St., Pacoima, CA 91331. [phone].

A special Christmas dinner will be held for the senior citizens of Burns Manor. Donations or volunteers needed by Dec. 11.

North Hollywood Division: Operation Holiday is the big event of the season with a Santa's party held for developmentally disabled children.

A group of squad cars, with Santa in the lead, will deliver 300 to 500 baskets to needy families selected from Head Start schools in the division area. Volunteers may contact, North Hollywood Community Relations, Sgt. Bill Martin or Officer Esther Niell, 11640 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91331. [phone]. Donations or volunteers are needed by Dec. 15.

Van Nuys Division: A joyous party is held for needy children in the Van Nuys Division area. They request that toys be wrapped with a note stating if the gift is for a girl or boy. Van Nuys Community Relations, Kelli Shurian or Vivian Flores, 6240 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401. [phone]. Donations or volunteers needed by Dec. 17.

West Valley Division: This division, working with PALS, schools, churches and social services, has a long list of families in need. Toy cans have been placed in selected areas for donations. West Valley Community Relations, Sgt. Cindy Brounsten, 19040 Vanowen Blvd., Reseda, CA 91335. [phone]. Donations or volunteers needed by Dec. 19.

Devonshire Division: Last year food baskets and new toys were delivered to needy families and children in the Northwest Valley by PALS and the Devonshire police. Contact PALS or Devonshire Community Relations, 10250 Etiwanda Avenue, Northridge, CA 91325. [phone]. Donations or volunteers needed by Dec. 19.

A special Christmas party will be held at the PALS Youth Center. Santa will distribute toys, and refreshments will be served to needy children.

Don Ricardo's restaurant in the Northridge Fashion Center, in conjunction with PALS, NW, Devonshire division, Children At Risk Everyday and the Northridge Fashion Center have served a traditional turkey dinner on Christmas Day for the past four years to needy families. Santa will be there to hand out toys to the children. Volunteers are needed to help for this event. Victor Sampson (of Don Ricardo's) at [phone] or the Devonshire Division at [phone].

Humor? Last year, while PALS was gathering donations of holiday food from a local school, a small boy came running down the hall with a can of tomato juice in his hand saying, ``Please take this, I don't like to drink it.''

Please support the LAPD, Neighborhood Watch, PALS and other organizations this holiday season by giving a toy, food or volunteering to help the less fortunate. Kudos to the police officers who give so much of their time and talent to make the season special. Thanks.