LASD's Cerritos Station Seeks Donations for Abused and Neglected Children

As the number of children falling victim to severe abuse and neglect increases, members of the are seeking the public’s help to raise funds for the “999 for Kids” Program, which aims to help care for the needs of these affected children.

The program was organized in 1985 by the Sheriff’s Department and the county's Department of Children and Family Services to help young victims of the most severe cases of child abuse, neglect or domestic violence. 

The Medical Case Management Services Unit and Deaf Services Unit of the Department of Children and Family Services manage care for the more than 1,000 children who benefit from the program; however, the number of children needing assistance has been increasing each year, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Although tax dollars help provide the basic needs for these children, outside funding is necessary to pay for the needs that go beyond basic care. And program organizers hope that monetary donations received from the public can help fill that void.

Monies donated to the “999 for Kids” Program help purchase special items and services for these children, i.e., sport wheelchairs, computers, special education classes, medically-oriented toys and games, and a yearly Christmas party. 

A few examples of how some of the funds have been spent in the past, include:

• Piano lessons for a child who is blind
• The purchase of a specialized tricycle for a child with seizure disorder, severe developmental delays and cerebral palsy
• A gastro-intestinal feeding switch and pump for a child with cerebral palsy
• The purchase of a television/VCR/DVD combo for a child with a chronic lung disease
• A bicycle and helmet for a child with sickle cell anemia

All corporations and individuals are invited to join in this effort to provide much needed funding for this very special program. All contributions/donations are tax deductible and must be received by Friday, July 8.

If you have any questions about the “999 for Kids” Program or would like to contribute, contact Sgt. Jorge Chavez at the sheriff’s Cerritos Station at (562) 860-0044 or email him at j1chavez@lasd.org.