Lamar Odom Hands Out Toys to Kids at LAPD Devonshire PALS Toy Drive

Lamar Odom‘s certainly no Grinch … ’cause he handed out toys to thousands of kids Saturday — though the notorious Christmas villain did make an appearance.

The former basketball star cohosted a toy drive with Steve Pazmany — star of “Fully Torqued” on History Channel — with the help of LAPD Devonshire PALS Center, an org that helps fund after-school programs for kids.

After taking a pic with Pazmany and the Grinch, Lamar walked around the giant warehouse full of toys … and, check it out ’cause it look like they’ve got enough to fill Santa’s sleigh a few times over.

In totaly, we’re told the crew handed out gifts to more than 3,000 children … enriching the season for a whole lotta young boys and girls.

All this was done with the help of numerous sponsors … including “Fully Torqued” and — of course — the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lamar’s always giving back … opening rehab centers to help people with their addiction issues — so, it ain’t suprising to see him playing Santa here.

BTW … tt’s the giving season for a whole lotta celebs. Just yesterday, Shaquille O’Neal hosted his 23rd annual Shaq-A Claus event — stopping by “TMZ Live” to tell us all about giving back to the community in Georgia.

It’s better to give than to receive … and, these stars are really taking that to heart!