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DCSO deputies, community 'angels' bring gifts

Contributed by: Daniel Smith Your Hub.com on 12/21/2005


      They don't drive sleighs, but some Douglas County Sheriff's deputies are feeling a lot like old St. Nick these days, after delivering gifts including toys to about 41 families and more than 100 children in the Christmas for Kids program Dec. 14 and 15. Deputies also delivered needed supplies collected for the Women's Crisis and Family Outreach Center of Douglas County. 
      Deputies in patrol cars, accompanied by Douglas County citizens who help organize the program took the gifts to families' homes. The gifts were carried in huge Christmas sacks with the family's name on it. 
      Public Information Officer Deputy Cocha Heyden who coordinates the campaign with Victim Advocate Jocelyn Rhymer, said 'It was great - I've been doing it for the last five years and it's something I thoroughly enjoy." "We visit with family and just seeing the kids open their presents - unless they have to save them for Christmas - was wonderful, and every one was very grateful for the help. We definitely went out there to make it easier for the families and the kids, and let them know that the county employees and citizens of the county are here to take care of their own and we want to help in any way we can," she said. 
      Heyden notes each family also received a 'goodie bag' with baked goods for the holiday, "And also a grocery card from King Soopers - who were good enough to give us a nice discount." 
     The effort to give needy families a happier holiday actually starts long before the distribution, Heyden explains, with people and organizations nominating recipients and finding out what each family's specific needs are as far as clothing and other gifts. "We then go to our neighborhood watch groups to sponsor families, and county departments, organizations and private citizens also sponsor." 
      Heyden cited watch groups on Cactus Bluff, Ravenhill, Northcrest, Timberchase, Meyerwood Circle, Forrest St, Mt. Chickadee and Charter Oakes in Castle Pines North, for their help. Several scout troops raised funds to sponsor a family, she said, and Faith Lutheran sponsored two families. 
      Heyden reflected on the satisfaction she and entire Sheriff's department feels in sponsoring the Christmas for Kids program, saying, "We love doing it. We want kids to have a good Christmas, and at the same time its sets a positive image for law enforcement. Some of the families may have had only a negative view of law enforcement sometimes, and this puts a positive spin on it." 
     "This is a program that requires a lot of time and hard work and could not have been possible without the very special people who volunteered to lend a hand, " said Heyden, "and those who so generously provided gift for these families in need. At this time of year it is inspiring to have the opportunity to participate in such a special program and to remember the real meaning of holiday spirit."


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