The Park County Sheriff's Department's first Christmas Toy Drive was a very rewarding success, according to spokesman Corporal Dean Morgan. The department expects this to be an annual event, hopefully with growing interest and participation each year.

The community response was greater than expected, Morgan said, considering the short notice given for the new program. They plan to begin promoting the drive right after Thanksgiving in future years. Even with the late start, Morgan reports that more than 100 toys were collected for families facing a holiday challenge, along with donations of food, clothing, coats, and more than $320 in cash.

Cpl. Morgan was quick to point out that the department had plenty of help from community Santas, including a number of private citizens, Department of Social Services, Victim Advocates, and employees of the Sheriff's Department who threw themselves into the success of the holiday giving project. Morgan, along with deputies from both districts, had the pleasure of delivering the Christmas goodies to families around the county.

In the spirit of the season, the Park County Clerk and Recorder's office employees chose to skip their annual gift exchange and donate the money to local charities instead. The Toy Drive was one of the county charities to receive the benefit of their generosity.

Along with help from area churches and government offices, the following organizations contributed their time, money and gifts to making this event a success.

Many other businesses in the county also put out fliers to help promote the effort. Those who quietly commented on their involvement in the project said that it made Christmas "extra special" for them this year.