Santa Claus visited the excited students at the Blind Children’s Center on Dec. 12. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Santa Claus visited the Blind Children’s Center on Dec. 12 escorted by a special group of helpers from the Los Angeles Police Department during a long-standing tradition at the school dating back years.

With lights and sirens, an LAPD patrol vehicle escorted Santa’s sleigh onto the school property, where dozens of children, families and Blind Children’s Center staff were waiting. With a robust “Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas,” Santa greeted the children, who reveled in the opportunity to touch his beard and share their Christmas wishes. Approximately 100 toys donated by officers from the LAPD’s Rampart Division and Records and Identification Division were distributed to the families.

Blind Children’s Center CEO Sarah E. Orth said the visit from Santa and the Toy Give-Away are traditions going back more than 50 years. The event returned after a hiatus last year due to renovations at the center, much to the delight of the children. Founded in 1938 and located at 4120 Marathon St. in East Hollywood, the nonprofit Blind Children’s Center provides free early childhood education programs for children ages 18 months to 5 years old, as well as Early Head Start services for infants and toddlers from birth through 36 months. The center has specific expertise in supporting very young children who are blind and visually impaired, and those with multiple disabilities.

“This is just a great way for the LAPD to give back to our community, and it’s always a special reminder for families that the community is here to support them and support the children,” Orth said. “It’s a nice celebration for all the families to have with their kids. We have a student, Oliver, who was jumping up and down saying to his teacher, ‘Could you please call Santa and make sure he’s going to be on time?’ and ‘Do you know when Santa is going to get here?’ It was very cute, and it definitely, definitely means a lot to them.”

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell joined the celebration, meeting with families and wishing them well during the holidays. He said the event provides a special connection between the department and the community, and the Blind Children’s Center is an extraordinary organization deserving of support and holiday cheer.

“This truly is a very special place in Los Angeles. The Blind Children’s Center has been serving very young kids in our community for many, many years. Many of the kids here have multiple disabilities, and the staff works with them so that they can try and mainstream them by the time they get to first grade to be able to go to school and be able to function like other students,” McDonnell said. “Truly miracle work that they’re doing here and a place that I would encourage everybody to take a look at. If you can find a way to support them, they’re doing tremendous work under very difficult circumstances.”

Sgt. Marc Rojas, of the Rampart Division, helped organize the event and added that it started in 1971 when an officer at the Rampart Division whose niece was a student at the center brought presents to the children, and his partner dressed as Santa Claus. It has been a tradition ever since, and the officers eagerly donate and look forward to visiting with the children. Rojas has been involved with the center for years and is a member of the Blind Children’s Center’s Board of Directors.

“The center provides officers a list of toys and then we supply that list and deliver them,” Rojas said. “There is a sense of fulfillment being here for the kids. We’re quite involved, not just doing this, but throughout the year. We’ve always had a close connection with the center and it’s great to see.”

Rosa Hernandez, whose son Ashton, 4, has been a student at the center for two years, said the visit with Santa and the support from the LAPD is a highlight of the holiday season.

“This means a lot to me because the community is giving back to our school and the kids get to enjoy this,” Hernandez said. “My son really enjoyed it. At the end of the day, the children get to go home with a gift, and it is really nice.”

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell met with families at the center during the annual holiday event (photo by Edwin Folven)