Operation Christmas: Deputies Deliver Gifts To Local Children

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Douglas County Sheriff's deputies delivered toys and gifts door-to-door Dec. 20, as part of Operation Christmas, for struggling families who were not able to pick their gifts up due to the County's recent snow storm and poor weather. The deputies and team of volunteers, known as "The Elf Squad" on social media, expect to deliver more than 8,000 gifts to children and families this year.

"When the new sheriff, Tim Pounds came into office a year ago, he said we want to be a part of this community," said Sgt. Jesse Hambrick, Douglas County Sheriff's Office. The response has been overwhelming, people crying, smiling, saying thank you. People are surprised when they see the police car pull up and it's full of gifts that we're bringing. We're going to fight crime, but we're also going to help our citizens and meet them in the streets where they might need our help the most."

Since 2015 the Douglas County Sheriff's Office has assisted with Operation Christmas, a program that provides gifts and food to children and their families who are struggling this time of year. Operation Christmas is a non-profit organization lead by Superior Court Judge Beau McClain.

Operation Christmas also consists of dozens of other participants that include the Douglas County Fire Department, the Douglas County School System, the Douglas County District Attorney's Office, the Douglas County Solicitors Office, the Public Defenders Office and dozens of local teachers, social workers, banks, restaurants and churches.

Video of Deputy Aaron Smith and Sophie by John Barker for Patch