In a room packed with toys and books, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office gathered more than 50 gift bags for kids today (Tuesday), hoping to spread cheer to children of inmates this holiday season.
Since last month, the office has collected gifts for the families of 55 inmates, with kids receiving five gifts each. It’s all part of Operation Elf, the office’s annual holiday toy drive.
ASO Programs Manager Gloria Wright manages the distribution, working with staff to organize the toys and put them in bags. Between now and Christmas, families who signed up for the program can visit the Alexandria Detention Center for gift pick-up.
“Financially, every parent is not able to purchase for their kids, and that’s what we’re here for,” Wright said. “We want everybody to have a merry Christmas, regardless of their financial situation. It just warms our heart. When parents see us walking out with several bags of gifts, you can just see them light up. You can see some of the frustration or the anxiety go away.”
Extra toys are distributed to local nonprofits like Casa Chirilagua, Friends of Guest House and Together We Bake, Wright said.
This year’s toys were donated by community members, sheriff’s deputies and the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program.
“I’m continuously overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and our staff, and it means the world to our inmates to know people care,” Sheriff Sean Casey said. “As more community members have learned about Operation Elf, they’ve stepped up in a big way.”
If families can’t pick up the bags in person, the Sheriff’s Office will deliver them.
