LAPD officers delighted children with gifts at a Hollywood elementary school Friday, arriving with Santa Claus to deliver holiday cheer to about 160 students.
The visit to Selma Avenue Elementary marked part of an annual tradition for Metropolitan Division officers, who choose a different campus each year.
The Los Angeles Police Department uses the school as a staging area when policing events in Hollywood, so officers wanted to do something in return.
“We’re just wrapping gifts for the kids on Santa’s direction,” Officer Dana Oviatt said. “We patrol these streets outside and make sure that they’re safe. It’s just the little we can do to give back to them.”
Officers, asking as honorary elves to Santa, brought two to three gifts for each lucky child.
The school’s multipurpose room was filled with squeals as the students tore open wrapping paper.
“Battleship, Connect Four and Hungry Hungry Hippos,” one little girl said, looking at her take. “It’s awesome.”
Second-grade teacher Gabriela Castillo said the students were eagerly awaiting the officers’ arrival.
“They’re very grateful,” Castillo said. “They were looking forward to this day.”