Celebrities Tell ‘Christmas Stories’ To Benefit Underprivileged Children

Scientology Celebrity Centre stages its 18th annual fund-raiser for the Hollywood Police Activities League youth programs.

HOLLYWOOD - The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre presented "Christmas Stories XVIII" on December 3rd and 4th. Members including Anne Archer, Jennifer Aspen, Eric Balfour, Erika Christensen, Jason Dohring, Jenna Elfman, Juliette Lewis, Marisol Nichols and Ethan Suplee performed skits and told Christmas stories to benefit the Hollywood Police Activities League's annual Christmas party for underprivileged children, as well as their year-round inner city programs for at-risk youth.

The Christmas Stories stage is a 1930s style radio show setting with performances of traditional and original stories and songs, now in its 18th year.

The annual event has raised more than $265,000 in proceeds for these community programs since it began in 1993.

The Police Activities League (PAL) is a nation wide youth development program operated by police officers who provide a positive role model for youth. The program includes educational and recreational activities for at-risk youth as an alternative to gangs.

The Hollywood PAL is staffed by full time police officers dedicated solely to the program serving Hollywood youth, providing swimming, street hockey, basketball, martial arts, soccer, computer activities, arts, crafts and educational tutoring.

Hollywood PAL's annual Christmas party is organized together with the Hollywood Division of the L.A.P.D. and in cooperation with the principals of the local public elementary schools in and around Hollywood. Seeking out and inviting children who would otherwise have no Christmas, PAL provides meals, games and toys for each child, complete with Santa Claus to deliver them.

"We present 'Christmas Stories' each year to support our police in their efforts to create a safe environment for children in Hollywood," said Maria Ferrara, President of the Celebrity Centre. "Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard once stated that 'When children become unimportant to a society, that society has forfeited its future,' and it is with that exact purpose in mind that we organize benefits like this one."