Don Massey Cadillac Lone Tree

The success of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Christmas for Kids 2009 program could be measured in the number of families sponsored (50), or the number of children that received gifts (150), or the dollars received from citizens, businesses, county employees, cops, cub scouts and boy scouts.  All of these things provide a measurement of success of this year's program. But the real measure of success is the outpouring of generosity of you, our sponsor families, and the gratitude of the recipients of your generosity. 

There are a lot of wonderful stories about this year's program.  Let me share a few with you:

-                     Cub Scout Pack 826 from Castle Pines sponsored 5 families with 17 children.  Not only did these first through fifth graders help with the shopping and wrapping of gifts they also presented the Sheriff with a check for $1,000 - money the cubs raised selling popcorn, candy, etc. 

-                     Douglas County employees, including members of the sheriff's office sponsored over thirty families and donated over $500 which was used to purchase grocery coupons for all our nominated families.

-                     The wonderful employees of Don Massey Cadillac sponsored a family a week after the official nomination process was over

-                     We can always count on our network of Neighborhood Watch groups to sponsor several families and their generosity is overwhelming

-                     Two community-oriented developers in Douglas County contributed $700 to the program which allowed us to continue to provide gifts and grocery gift cards long after the official closing date for nominating families

-          Saddle Ranch Elementary School sponsored several families and their gifts included four bicycles for children who had been
"very, very good....."

I wish I had the words to describe the surprise, gratitude, laughter, and tears of the families that were helped this holiday season.  In these difficulty economic times, many of these families needed assistance for the first time.  I received many hugs and tearful thanks that I accepted on the behalf of all of you.  Through the emotions, several families told me their goal was to be a sponsor next year. 

I want to personally thank each of you for allowing me to be "Santa Cop" this year. I am beginning my twenty-second year with the Sheriff's Office and this was the best job I ever had.

Wishing you and yours a warm holiday and wonderful new year

Deputy Mike K.

Community Resources Unit

Douglas County Sheriff's Office

4000 Justice Way

Castle Rock, Colorado 80109