In celebration of the "Dia de los Tres Reyes" (Day of the Three Kings) St. Francis Center distributed toys to children 12 and under in the Garment District and South Park neighborhoods of Los Angeles Jan. 8.

The center teamed up with Disney VoluntEARS and Loyola High School in Los Angeles to distribute the toys. The Los Angeles Fire Department, local schools, parishes and individuals generously donated the toys. The recipient children were referred through St. Francis Center's Family Assistance Program.

The Family Assistance Program at St. Francis Center serves low-income families in downtown Los Angeles. Services include food and nutrition supplementation, health education, tenant advocacy, community building and a series of family communication workshops in collaboration with the Multicultural Institute titled "Familias Unidas."

Since 1972 St. Francis Center has served poor families, their children, seniors and homeless individuals in the Garment District and South Park neighborhoods of downtown Los Angeles. Annually, St. Francis serves about 5,000 people, including 550 families and 1,300 children in immediate needs, education and empowerment. For information, contact Allison Midden at (213) 747-5347.