Toys on time for Christmas

Santa's sleigh looked a lot like a Hummer on Wednesday as Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini and deputies loaded up the DARE vehicle with toys for children helped through Project Santa Claus.

For the past several years, the sheriff's office has placed toy barrels in the main office in Minden and the substations in Sunridge, the Gardnerville Ranchos and Topaz Ranch Estates.

On Wednesday, it was time to take the new toys to the Douglas County Fairgrounds where they will be wrapped and distributed to children in time for Christmas.

Despite the lean economic times, Pierini said he was confident people would be generous.

"Not only here, but across the United States, people know there is a great need. Those who can, always come through," Pierini said.

He said donations come from sheriff's office employees and community members.

The sheriff's office also received donations of toys from the Dollar Tree in Minden.

"This is just great stuff," Pierini said as he helped Sgt. Jim Halsey and Youth Services officers Chris Griffith and Teresa Duffy load the toys into the Hummer.

Pierini said sheriff's office employees also adopt local families they may come in contact with through law enforcement.

"They see a need out there and they step up," Pierini said.

Project Santa Claus organizer Marilyn Malkmus estimates she'll have gifts for 739 children who are referred through Douglas County Social Services, Washoe Tribal Social Services, Family Support Council, Court-Appointed Special Advocates and the sheriff's office.

Volunteers are invited to help out with gift wrapping through Saturday at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.