Article Contributed on: 10/4/2007 4:01:25 PM
Getting caught breaking a traffic law in Castle Rock has a silver lining for many this time of year.
That's because those who receive traffic tickets between Sept. 5 and Oct. 16 can choose to have their fine go toward buying holiday gifts for children whose families are in need as part of the Town of Castle Rock's Santa's Second Chance program.
Castle Rock resident Terry Foose-Williams got the program off the ground in 1997. About 20 volunteers participated that year, using $2,500 in fines to shop for about 70 children.
In recent years, the program has benefited from the shopping and gift-wrapping expertise of up to 150 volunteers. Fines given to the program have topped $10,000 a year, helping fulfill the wish lists of up to 250 children.
"What has been most gratifying for me is the way this program has been embraced by so many and allows the community to participate in giving back to those who are in need," Foose-Williams said. "Every time I see the turn out of volunteers for Santa's and their enthusiasm for helping others, I am touched. Castle Rock has wonderfully generous and kind people."
Those who received tickets during the eligible period will be given the option to donate their fines to Santa's Second Chance when they go before the judge Oct. 24 and Nov. 7 and 28. Fines of those who decide against the option go into the Town's general fund, as normal.
The Department of Human Services, schools and the Douglas/Elbert Task Force provide the wish lists to be filled. Volunteers then will shop for about 250 children again this year at the Castle Rock Wal-Mart starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1.
The volunteers then will wrap the presents, which will be delivered by Castle Rock Police Explorers program participants.
For more information, contact Court Administrator Karla McCrimmon at 303-663-6134 or kmccrimmon@CRgov.com.