[L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept.] – In a program that began more than 50 years ago, inmates 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 1,550 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 gift that may be the only one the child receives at Christmastime.”

This year, inmates at the Century Regional Detention Facility handcrafted approximately 1,400 cloth dolls and personnel from the Pitchess Detention Center-South Facility will distribute approximately 150 wooden cars, trucks, and helicopters.

“The personal satisfaction felt by those involved in the toy giveaway program is outweighed only by the joy they’re able to provide to these deserving children,” Baca said. “The program is a blessing to the 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.”

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 Gloria Welsh at (323) 568-4500. Wooden toy materials should be directed to Sergeant Gerri McCorkle at (661) 295-8805.