Catholic Charities of Los Angeles Inc. will host 300 disadvantaged children from Los Angeles County at the 56th Annual Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children Dec. 4 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Children ages 5-8 years will participate in photos with Santa, face painting, and entertainment by a magician and marionettes, and will also receive lunch, special gifts from Santa, and an assortment of toys and Christmas treats.

The Cardinal's Christmas Party for Children, initiated in 1949, raises funds to help provide toys and food for thousands of needy families and their children throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties. The event has been enthusiastically supported by Cardinals James Francis McIntyre, Timothy Manning and Roger Mahony, and numerous corporate, foundation and individual contributors.

Established in 1919, Catholic Charities of Los Angeles has served millions of people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, income, gender or religious belief. For more information, contact the Resource Development Department of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, (213) 251-3495.