On Thursday afternoon, December 15, the Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) held a Holiday Workshop for young Santa Monicans at its activities center at Fourteenth Street and Olympic Boulevard.
PAL staff and volunteers transformed the gym into a Christmas workshop in which about 400 children decorated gingerbread houses and other holiday treats.
Santa and Mrs. Claus met the children and distributed presents.
Older boys and girls assisted staff with the celebration, helping with the crafts program and serving food.
Patty Loggins-Tazi, Director of PAL, said, “We’ve been holding this event for about 15 years now, and the turnout remains strong. The kids really have a good time.”
A project of the Santa Monica Police Department, PAL offers educational, cultural and athletic activities for Santa Monica boys and girls ages 6 to 17 years old.
While most of PAL’s activities take place at its Memorial Park facilities, its boxing and karate programs are offered at Virginia Avenue Park.Two SMPD officers rotate through full-time assignments to PAL.
