In a program
which began over 50 years ago, Santa Claus’ helpers
in the Los Angeles County Jails have once again worked the entire year
to make Christmas Day more memorable for needy children. This holiday
season, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will distribute
more than 5,700 handcrafted dolls and wooden toys to children throughout
the County. “I am extremely proud of the men and women involved
in this ongoing program,” said Sheriff Lee Baca. “Each year,
the labors of the instructional staff and jail inmates brighten the lives
of children within our communities by providing a present that may be
the only gift the child will receive.”
This year, the inmates at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility handcrafted 5,000
cloth dolls and clowns, while the inmates at Pitchess Detention Center constructed
over 1,000 wooden cars, trucks, helicopters, and animal pull toys.
“The personal satisfaction felt by those involved in the toy giveaway program
is outweighed only by the joy they’re able to provide to the children.
The program is a blessing to these deserving children and enables the inmates
to use their time in a productive manner that benefits the community,” Sheriff
Baca said. “To brighten the life of a child during the holidays is certainly
one of the most rewarding feelings any of us can experience. After all, it is
what the spirit of the holiday season is all about,” the Sheriff added.
Materials used to create these holiday gifts were donated by local merchants
and residents. These supplies need to be replaced every year. Please contact
the Sheriff’s Department’s Vocational Shops if you are willing to
help support this worthwhile program through the donation of wood, wood stain,
yarn, cloth material or sewing thread. Doll materials should be directed to Sharon
Nelson at (213) 473-6097. Wooden toy materials should be directed to Bryan Trout
at (661) 295-8840.
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