Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital Distributes Thousands of Holiday Toys To Pediatric Patients and Children from Surrounding Community

Annual Tradition "OH Toys! OH Joy!" Continues In Spirit of Fallen LAPD Officer Randy Simmons

LOS ANGELES — December 16, 2008— Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital, a world leader in orthopaedic patient care, education and research, celebrated the holidays with its annual spectacular toy event, "OH Toys! OH Joy!" that brought thousands of gifts to Southland children. For some children, these were the only toys they received this year.

For more than fifteen years the Los Angeles Police Department’s SWAT unit has supported the Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital toy drive and the annual tradition of visiting the children at Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Center every year to deliver gifts and fulfill every child’s dream of meeting Santa. Jakks Pacific donated 2,000 of the toys along with donations from other companies around the Southland. The Rotary Club of Los Angeles (LA5) also provided significant support.

Fallen SWAT officer, Randy Simmons, killed in the line of duty last February, was always in attendance to deliver toys and holiday cheer. Simmons was a hero to the patients and was missed this holiday season.

Holiday fun for the children included a live broadcast by Radio Disney, face painting, sidewalk chalk drawings, balloon art, clown entertainment and Santa Claus arriving via SWAT helicopter.

"This has been a tough year for all and to be able to put smiles on thousands of children’s faces is the best gift of all," said Dr. James V. Luck Jr., president, chief executive officer and medical director of Orthopaedic Hospital. "This year was made possible by the generosity of Jakks Pacific, Inc., the Rotary Club of Los Angeles, SWAT, McCormick Ambulance and numerous others."