For the second year in a row, San Diego's California Highway Patrol officers handed out more than 1,000 new toys on Tuesday for their "CHiPs for Kids" holiday charity program.
In Barrio Logan, hundreds of kids turned up to see Santa and Chipper, the mascot for the California Highway Patrol.
"It's fantastic to see their eyes light up as we drive in," said CHP Sgt. Jim McNamar.
Emily Valverde, who helped organize the event, said having law enforcement interact with the community can have a positive impact on the kids.
“Most of the time kids see the police officer as someone not approachable. This gives them the opportunity to see they can be your friends,” she said.
The event was one of three planned Tuesday by local law enforcement. The San Diego Police Department's Southern Division kicked off two days of toy distribution at their offices on 27th Street. According to organizers, San Diego police officers, including one dressed as Santa Claus, gave out about 90 presents to underprivileged South Bay children.
Also on Tuesday, members of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department's Senior Volunteer Patrol fanned out across the East County to deliver gift baskets to seniors enrolled in the "You Are Not Alone" program. Year-round, Senior Volunteer Patrol members check in on seniors enrolled in the program, many of whom never leave their homes due to advanced age or medical conditions.
