From left are Amanda Parsons of Sentinel Peak Resources, Karen Downard, WACDC director of Community Services, Tricia Letchman, with family members, Glendon Robeteau, Rylan Newton, Darnel Seymord and Glen Robeateau. (Cora J. Fossett/L.A. Sentinel photo)

Nearly 300 families and children came out for the 15th annual Toy Giveaway sponsored by West Angeles Community Development Corporation on Dec. 20.

The nonprofit organization partnered with Sentinel Peak Resources, a new oil company in Inglewood, to provide much needed toys, groceries and other assistance.

“Our annual toy drive has provided toys to children in low income families totaling over $1 million dollars of support to the South Los Angeles community,” said Dr. Belinda Allen, WACDC executive director.

“We are motivated to do this by the families we serve. In these economic times, people need help with high rents and low employment rates. It’s our way of giving back and saying thank you to our clients and our community members as well as brightening the faces of some of our youth,” said Karen Downard, WACDC director of Community Services.

The mission of the West Angeles CDC is to increase social and economic justice, demonstrate compassion and alleviate poverty as a tangible expression of the Kingdom of God, through the vehicle of community development.