ALEXANDRIA, Va. — There is an effort underway to bring holiday cheer to some children who are facing tough circumstances.
The City of Alexandria Sheriff's Office is holding its annual Operation Elf toy drive, making sure 165 children of inmates have gifts under their Christmas tree this holiday season.
The special toy drive provides gifts for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Items include baby clothes, books, trucks, puzzles, dolls, makeup, games, and gift cards for older children.
Gloria Wright, the alternative programs manager for the Sheriff's office, and Chief Elf of Operation Elf, said this program makes a big difference for families, the children, and the incarcerated parents who are still able to provide gifts for the holidays.
"We don't only just house them here as an inmate. We do care about them," said Wright. "When these children get these toys, it's not going to say 'from the Alexandria Sheriff's Office,' it's going to say it's from their parent who is actually locked up here.
Sheriff Sean Casey said the hundreds of gifts they collect for the children are all thanks to the community.
"The community shows such great compassion with their donations and participating in this program, and the commitment that we have and the community have to giving back and to helping those who are less fortunate I think is great," said Sheriff Casey.
People are welcome to drop off gifts through December 20 at the Sheriff's Office at 2003 Mill Road. People can also order gifts from the Operation Elf 2024 Amazon Wish List, and have the fits sent directly to the office.
The sheriff's office collects donations all year round, so if you have a gift you would like to donate after this holiday season has passed, you can contact the Sheriff's Office Inmate Services department to learn the best way to continue to donate.