Hundreds of Universal Studios Hollywood employees welcomed 280 homeless Los Angeles Unified School District students from Operation School Bell during the theme park’s 13th annual “Day of Giving” philanthropy event on Nov. 9.

LAPD Community Service Corporals Eric Desmore and Kirk Madison fit LAUSD students with new shoes at Universal’s “Day of Giving.” (photo by Jill Weinlein)

The “Day of Giving” event is a yearly Universal Studios Hollywood tradition designed to connect employees with diverse community organizations, many of which are beneficiaries of the Discover A Star Foundation. Its mission is to empower individuals and families to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

Children in need received new clothing, books, shoes, backpacks and school supplies, followed by an afternoon of fun inside the theme park.

Los Angeles Police Department Community Service Sergeant Luis Alvarado works closely with Adrienne Seltzer from the Assistance League Los Angeles Operation School Bell on Wheels. Alvarado and other LAPD community service officers accompany Seltzer to multiple schools in the LAUSD during the school year.

“More than 250 children in need receive clothing and supplies on each visit,” Seltzer said. “It’s nice for kids to see police officers in another light.”

During the day-long event, LAPD officers fitted the children with a pair of brand new shoes.

“For some of these children, this is the first time they have ever received new shoes,” said Seltzer.

Universal Studios employees support several other nonprofit organizations across L.A., including AIDS Project L.A., Downtown Women’s Center, Tree People, Union Station Homeless Services and Shane’s Inspiration.