My wife and I would like to send a big “thank you” to our law enforcement men and women who donated time, money and compassion for young children and youth in need of a big bundle of Christmas Spirit.

Yes, Santa does exist and loves all children. Santa needed workers and our law enforcement representatives, along with other departments — Navy, Coast Guard, etc. — and numerous others stepped in to help. I also want to say thank you to Walmart for their help.

It’s a great event, and at times very emotional for my wife and I to see a tall State Patrol officer helping a small, young child find just the right helmet for bike riding as the child looks up at the officer with a big smile. It’s touching  to see a chief in the Sheriff’s Department, in his uniform with that one big star on the shoulder, standing watch over a most precious young child with that big compassionate, protective look.

The young people arrived with a full police escort, including sirens and lights, which pleased Santa and Mrs. Claus as Elf Sheriff Boyer drove the special patrol car that brought Santa. The backup came from Chief of Corrections Elf Ned. Thanks also to Corrections and their ball of fire and energy, Sgt. Penny, who is one of the event coordinators.

I would also like people to know there is great support at this event from the Suquamish and Port Gamble S’Klallam police departments.

In closing, my wife and I, along with Santa, are reaching out to law enforcement with a big “be safe and God bless you, Merry Christmas” hug.

Reed and Linda Anderson
Kingston