LAPD, LASD Offer Candy And COVID Testing In Northridge

NORTHRIDGE, CA —Hundreds of cars lined up around the Greig Smith LAPD Devonshire PALS Youth Center Friday for an drive-thru event co-sponsored by the LAPD, and the LASD, and a number of community organizations. A morning event offered community members received non-perishable food items and free COVID testing, while an afternoon event offered candy for trick-or-treating.

The event at 8721 Wilbur Ave. in Northridge was attended by Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, LAPD Deputy Chief Jorge Rodriguez, and District 12 Councilmember John Lee, who helped hand out food to families. The LASD posted footage of the event on their Facebook page.

The event was also sponsored by a number of local food banks and charities, including the LA Regional Food Bank, MEND-Meet Each Need With Dignity, Temple Ramat Zion in Northridge, One Generation senior center, the Center for Family Health and Education, and Goya Foods California. Visit the Devonshire PALS website for a full list of sponsors.

"LAPD Officers and LASD Deputies have profound care for the community, and our efforts to curve hunger are a reflection of that sentiment. We hope that this engagement resonates with the community and builds a solid bridge of trust and understanding," the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept. Information Bureau said in a statement.

"I am grateful to LAPD and LASD for hosting this event today, and for their ongoing support of LAPD Devonshire PALS," he told Patch in a statement. "Our communities truly benefit from the engagement of officers with local youth and their families, and these relationships help increase trust and understanding with our men and women in law enforcement."