Los Angeles:  Chief William Bratton kicked off the Los Angeles Police Department's 5th Annual Toy Drive this morning at the Harmony Elementary School near 42nd Street and Central Avenue.

Forty kindergarten and first grade students received a new, unwrapped toy as part of the event. 

Alan Atkins, executive director of the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation, provided 3,000 coloring books to be given away to kids over the holidays.  The books provide safety tips and fun activities for children.

Members of the LAPD's Centurion baseball team provided the toys for today's giveaway.  According to Officer Mike Scott, the Centurions collected over 10,000 toys last year and expect to do the same this year.  The Centurions will hold their main event on December 17, 2005, at the Elysian Park Police Academy.  Every child attending will receive a new, donated, unwrapped gift. 

Today's event was one of about 30 LAPD giveaways between now and Christmas Eve.  Every LAPD police station is collecting new, unwrapped toys and books.  Each station will hold its own gift distribution.  In addition to the police stations, some specialized units including SWAT and K-9 will also collect and giveaway gifts. 

For a list of giveaway dates, times and locations click here.  Media outlets are welcome to cover each giveaway.  You may contact the individual police stations to attend the giveaways.