The Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs' Association recently announced that it gave more than $73,000 to charities in 2005 through its charitable trust fund. Donations included $23,000 to

support youth in the community such as youth sports, academic, music, Boys & Girls Clubs and the Marine Corps' Toys-4-Tots.

The second largest portion of contributions, more than $17,500,

went to assist organizations that help those suffering from illness or disability and for victims of crime.

Recipients included the Coalition to End Family Violence. A significant portion, $12,500, went to

relief organizations to assist people affected by Hurricane Katrina and the victims of the mudslide in La Conchita.

Donations totaling $15,000 were given to law enforcement-related causes such as volunteer policing, K-9-related programs and financial assistance for officers suffering from grave illness or to the families of those officers killed in the line of duty.

A donation was also made directly to the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation.