The Socorro County Sheriff’s is trying to raise $6,000 to help give local families a wonderful Christmas.

On Dec. 23, the Socorro County Sheriff’s Office will host its second annual Sponsor a Santa Deputy. Last year the office was able to help 15 families purchase gifts and have a fun day, including a visit with Santa. They hope to include more families this year, said Undersheriff Amanda Vega.

This year, the December event will include arts and crafts at the Socorro County Annex and pictures with Santa.

The Socorro High School student council will give out hygiene bags. Then deputies will take the families shopping at Walmart. Each kid will be given a dollar amount to spend. Followed by lunch, provided by Jackson Ranch Steakhouse.

The event is meant to improve community involvement and help out families that don’t always get a lot of help, said Vega. Last year, the Sheriff’s office was able to use $5,000 to help 15 families. This year they are trying to include more families and hope to make the event bigger each year, said Vega.

The Sheriff’s Office picks families from each local school district and tries to include families from across the county, including families who have children in Socorro, at the San Antonio and Midway schools, in Magdalena and in Alamo.

“If they have any families that may need some help during this time, give us a call,” said Vega.

For more information, contact Vega at 575.835.0941 or [email protected].

Donations can be mailed to Socorro County Sheriff’s Office, P.O. Box 581, Socorro, New Mexico 87801, or dropped off at 200 Church Street, the Sheriff’s Office.

The best part last year was seeing parents’ excited faces, said Vega.

Cathy Cook | El Defensor Chieftain Editor