Sheriff's Deputies Spread Holiday Cheer to Encinitas, San Diego County

ENCINITAS, CA – Dozens of needy families in East County and North County were surprised over the weekend when they received a knock on the door from San Diego County Sheriff's deputies bearing cash and gift cards for the Christmas holiday season.

Three anonymous community members donated $15,000 toward the secret Santa effort and enlisted deputies to spread the holiday cheer, Sheriff's officials said.

Deputies fanned out across the county, handing out between $200 to $500 in cash to families in Encinitas, Solana Beach, San Marcos and Vista in the North County, as well as Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego, Santee, Lakeside, Alpine, Ramona and unincorporated El Cajon in the East County.

“We're used to interacting with them at their worst moment, and to bring them a little bit of joy right before Christmas is a privilege,'' Deputy Juan Andrade said in a video shot by the sheriff's department. “I really appreciate the honor of being able to go around and spread some Christmas joy to the families.”

Sheriff's deputies identified families in need while working as school resource deputies or while encountering community members while on patrol.

“I had a great time doing it, and it was so wonderful to see how we were able to touch so many people's lives,” Deputy Cassey Hawkins said. “It's such a wonderful feeling because normally we don't come in contact with people in this type of atmosphere and today we were just able to give and have a great experience.”

Deputies found that some families were struggling to pay rent or were homeless. Some families were coping with the loss of a job or single mothers not making enough money to support the family's needs.

Other stories included family loss, with several loved ones passing away or family members with medical issues, and parents taking care of children diagnosed with autism, cancer and other health issues.

– By City News Service / Image via San Diego County Sheriff's Department