A mother thanks WSPD for considering her family during this holiday season. Photo courtesy of WSPD

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, officers and staff from the West Sacramento Police Department took part in a tradition that dates back nearly as far as the department itself: the Annual Christmas Toy and Clothing Drive deliveries. Each year, the department accepts donations for local families who could use a helping hand around the holiday season; the requirements: be a West Sacramento resident, demonstrate financial need, and have minor children. Each child received one piece of warm clothing, and two gifts.

Kids can be shy but they know goodwill and generosity when they see it. Photo courtesy of WSPD

Annually, the department generally sees approximately 350 youth through this program, however, in the past two years, that number has grown exponentially, with this year’s number exceeding 800 youth and nearly 300 family units.

And so, despite the rain that filled the early part of the week, and extremely impacted staffing, WSPD staff from across the department loaded up into 9 delivery groups, and braved the elements, delivering gifts throughout the city. Officers and staff alike look forward to this event every year and are humbled to pour into the West Sacramento community. The numbers this year are evidence that this event is a bright light in what has been a rough financial year for many West Sacramento families.

This event is spearheaded by the Community Outreach and Support Division of the West Sacramento Police Department, and made possible through generous donations from the West Sacramento community, partnership with the Washington Unified School District, and over the past few years, also included food bags assembled and donated by Out of the Box Ministries, helping to add gifts beneath trees, and fill pantries and hearts.

Smiling faces were city wide as the Police delivered toys to some 800 kids. Photo courtesy of WSPD