Amador County – The Amador County Sheriff’s Office issued thanks for another successful 2011 Sheriff’s Toy Drive hosted Dec. 17 at Saint Sava Mission in Jackson, with assistance of California Department of Corrections Mule Creek State Prison.

For the second straight year, with help from Amador County Superintendent of Schools, the Drive implemented a local voucher program, to identify local families in need and ensured toys donated by local citizens were placed with local children.

The Sheriff’s Office said the Toy Drive would not be the success it was without assistance of many groups, businesses, and citizens. One group is the CDC of Mule Creek, whose employees have established a “Toy Drive Committee,” and collect money year-round through bake sales, lot sales, and raffles.

Mule Creek employees successfully acquired and donated several thousand toys, and has partnered with the Amador County Sheriff’s Office the past four years. Mule Creek donations typically account for nearly half the total donated toys each year.

Another long-time partner, Saint Sava Mission the past nine years has routinely allowed the Sheriff’s Christmas Toy Drive to be held at its facility. Without Saint Sava Mission and their unwavering commitment, the toy drive would not have a suitable location to operate.

Stockton Bicycle Club once again made a donation toward purchase of bicycles. With that donation the Sheriff’s Office was able to purchase several bicycles which were raffled off on Dec. 17.

Kmart in Martell also helped purchase bicycles with their Kmart Care program, which allowed the Sheriff’s Office to collect 16 bicycles of the 35 total that were given to local children.

Wal-Mart, another noteworthy contributor through a grant program, allowed the Sheriff’s Office to purchase additional toys and supplies.

The Sheriff’s Office also gave thanks to Amador Unified School District, TSPN, Ledger Dispatch, Hometown Radio, Jackson Rotary, Red Hat Ladies, Mother Lode New Comers, Jackson Woman’s Club, Amador County Airport, Jackson Lions Club, and everyone who donated or supported the Toy Drive in any fashion.

During hard times it is more important than ever to lend a helping hand, said the Sheriff’s Office and “it could not be possible without the assistance of our community.”

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