The Corpus Christi Police Athletic League, or C.C. PAL, is hosting its annual Christmas Banquet.  Tonight’s dinner honors the boys and girls who take part C.C. PAL’s different programs.

The holiday gathering which is expected to serve 500 kids and their parents, volunteers and police officers, begins at 6:00 p.m. at Gulf Coast Racing, 5302 Leopard.  The event will include a free smoked turkey dinner with all the trimmings, live music and a visit from Santa Claus.  Each child will receive a gift.  The event is being made possible through donations.

C.C. PAL currently serves 2,600 local children, from ages three to 18 years old.  It offers different educational programs and sports activities for at-risk youth.   C.C. PAL is funded through grants and donations and its largest contributor is Valero Energy Corporation.  Earlier this year, the program received $81,000 from a refinery dove hunt and $14,000 from a company golf tournament.

For more information contact Senior Officer Jose Olivares at (361) 876-8116, Senior Officer David Morris at (361) 883-2725 or (361) 883-2725.