Special Santa surprise
Police deliver presents to needy families
Santa Claus took to the city’s streets on Friday to make this Christmas holiday a little bit merrier by bringing presents and sweet treats to the homes of those in need, doing so with the help of several employees and officers of the Yuma Police Department.
Also joining Santa, who was riding in a red convertible and portrayed by Frederick Dammeyer, were several members of
Silver Spur Rodeo royalty. Officers rode through the streets of Yuma with lights flashing and Christmas music playing through their loudspeakers as they led the way to each to the five families they would be visiting.
Their first stop was the home of Lourdes Garcia, who said, “It was a wonderful surprise for the children. It is always a good time when Santa comes.”
Within moments of their arrival, they were greeted by Garcia’s grandchildren, ages 13, 11, 11 and 10, who had smiles on their faces as they watched all the wrapped presents, which included items such as drawing utensils, Barbie dolls, Legos, and action figures, being brought to their home.
The scene was repeated several more times as Santa pulled up in front of several homes, closely followed by several Yuma police cars, with lights flashing and sirens blaring.
Edith Ruiz, a police assistant with the public affairs unit, explained that each year the Yuma Police Department adopts a certain number of families in need as part of its Family Christmas Project. This year there were five.
“In the last few years it has gotten a lot more recognition,” Ruiz said of the toy delivery. “In previous years we delivered the gifts incognito on the night of Christmas Eve, surprising the families.”
The families were identified through various community programs or by police officers. She added that while most of the presents were donated or purchased by money raised through various fundraising campaigns, some were bought by the officers themselves.
Ruiz said for some of the children, the presents they were being given, might have been the only gifts they get this year.
“It means a lot to be able to give them something,” Ruiz said. “Seeing the smiles on their faces tells you how much it is appreciated.”
She went on to say that, it is just not only about doing something nice for the community, it also shows off the hearts behind the badges of the men and women on the Yuma police force.
Garcia said she did know that Yuma police did such a thing every year, but she was extremely grateful that her family had been chosen.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 5396854. Find him on Facebook at www. Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.