Unlike most charities or toy giveaway groups, the Greater Mandeville Police Foundation LLC is not asking for money this year.

President Shelby LaSalle Jr. and others formed the group two years ago after the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office found problems with the Citizen Service Fund in Mandeville to help children in the area that may not be able to afford Christmas toys.

The group is totally independent and not affiliated with the police department or any government agency. It is a 501.c.3 non-profit organization and they manage funds that were left in the Citizens Service Fund. LaSalle happily says they are not looking for donations, but instead are blessed to have funding as well as the support of many local organizations. The Krewe of Eve will be donating toys and the Mandeville Kiwanis Club will donate coats. In addition, the group will be purchasing some toys with funds they already have.

In a unique twist, Mandeville Elementary students will be asked to do chores around the house to earn money to purchase a toy for a needy child. Dec. 16 the toys will be brought to school.

Recently, the Mandeville City Council passed a resolution in support of group. The resolution acknowledges the establishment of the organization and their management of the 2009 program to distribute toys to families in need. The resolution gave permission for the organization to use the Mandeville Police Department building and storage shed for the collection and storage of the toys.

On Dec. 18, the National Guard will pick up toys from the various locations and bring them to the Mandeville Lions Club for distribution to the kids.

Santa will arrive at 8 a.m. Dec. 19 and will distribute toys to children through a voucher system. LaSalle said that vouchers would be available at the Mandeville Police Department.

The group also has off-duty and volunteer policemen that assist with the project. In addition on Dec. 19, members of the Mandeville High School JROTC unit and students in other organizations will volunteer their time and earn service hours by assisting Santa in the toy giveaway.

Board members of the new group include Vice President Pat Brister; Secretary/Treasurer Dennis Pasentine, Larry Rase, Joycelyn Nash, Kristi Winget, Chris King, Ron Goux.

The Lions Club is located at 720 Lafitte St. Mandeville.