Christmas Stories Benefit At‑Risk Youth
Scientology Celebrity Centre holds 21st annual fundraiser in support of Hollywood Police Athletic League youth development programs
HOLLYWOOD—The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre presented the 21st annual Christmas Stories December 13 and 14, raising funds for Hollywood Police Athletic League youth programs. Church members performed skits and told Christmas stories. The cast included Laura Prepon, Jenna Elfman, Erika Christensen, Danny Masterson, Alanna Masterson, Jason Dohring, Jennifer Aspen, Marisol Nichols, Catherine Bell and Michelle Stafford, and a Christmas Stories digital short entitled “Toy Life” featured a cameo by John Travolta, Kelly Preston and Nancy Cartwright (the voice of Bart Simpson).
Since the first Christmas Stories in 1993 featuring John Travolta leading the cast in White Christmas, scores of Scientologists have performed traditional and original stories and songs, raising more than $325,000 to benefit Hollywood Police Department’s programs for at-risk youth, including the LAPD annual Christmas party.
Celebrity Centre Vice President Greg LaClaire presented a check for $20,000 raised by this year’s performances to LAPD Hollywood Division Area Commander Captain Peter Zarcone and Sergeant Darrell Davis.
“I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support that the Church of Scientology, and you all, give to Hollywood’s youth programs,” said Zarcone. “You guys are far and away the largest donor to Hollywood’s youth programs and you have been for 21 years—so from the bottom of my heart, thank you very, very much for that.”
Hollywood police officers personally oversee these educational, recreational and athletics activities for Hollywood youth. Not only do the officers serve as positive role models, but they also help young men and women gain leadership and academic life skills. Funds generated from the show also support the Hollywood Police Support Association’s annual Christmas party, where Santa himself delivers gifts to children who would otherwise have no Christmas.
“We present Christmas Stories each year to support our police in their efforts to create a safe environment in Hollywood,” said LaClaire. “Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard said, ‘When children become unimportant to a society, that society has forfeited its future.’ We strongly believe in these programs and the opportunities they provide for the children of Hollywood.”