Debbie Croft: Cops in Mariposa deliver the goodies to kids

Much of Building A at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds last week was filled with bikes, rocking horses, basketballs, Lego sets, games, dolls, puzzles, dump trucks, tea sets, paint sets and more for babies, elementary-age kids and teens.

The Kops for Kids Giveaway, which took place Dec. 18, is an annual Christmas toy drive for needy families, sponsored by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Department.

At the other end of the building were tables neatly stacked with boxes of food provided by Manna House of Mariposa.

Volunteers greeted visitors, assisted parents with paperwork, and carried boxes and large items to cars. During breaks they nibbled on cookies or drank hot cocoa.

The giveaway was started 17 years ago by the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Mariposa. Deputy Will Atkinson has been involved for eight years, and became director of the project in 2012.

“On a daily basis I see families who struggle financially, and the children suffer,” he said. “This program allows me to lend a helping hand, and give back to my community.”

Atkinson believes Kops for Kids hugely impacts community relations. These families learn firsthand that law-enforcement members are interested in their well-being.

Children of war veterans, unemployed adults and individuals with medical issues or disabilities benefit from the giveaway.

“It’s heartwarming, yet sad at the same time,” he said. “It gives me the drive to not only run the program, but also to strive to make next year even more successful.”

While Atkinson rounded up volunteers – mostly department family members and friends – an advertisement was placed in the local newspaper.

Local businesses contributed toys and food.

One Mariposa resident crocheted dozens of beanies for the kids.

Applications from 160 families were screened through the county’s Human Services office.

About 250 children and teens received gifts this year. Total contributions were $20,000 – $3,000 in merchandise and $17,000 in cash. Atkinson said this year’s donation total was the largest ever.

Parents shopped for one large gift, one small gift, two stocking stuffers and a plush toy. Used coats and jackets were also available.

Marcus Hollan came home to Mariposa for the holidays, and volunteered this year after Atkinson talked him into it.

“It’s really neat to see the parents’ excitement about being able to give gifts to their kids,” he said.

Michael and Deborah Amonds are temporarily displaced, and currently on the receiving end of the town’s generosity. They also worked as volunteers.

Krys Chupinski only stood in line for a few minutes. His mom was there to shop for her four children. But to pass the time he slipped inside to help.

It was a perfect opportunity to see what his siblings might like to find on Christmas morning.

Prior to Atkinson, Deputy Fred Paige organized the event for about 15 years. His wife, Sheila, became involved with her husband and continues to volunteer. She called herself “one of the elves.”

Leftover toys were taken the next day to Coulterville for a similar event.

Manna House filled 275 boxes with groceries, complete for preparing a holiday dinner. Again, generous Mariposa residents, merchants and churches provided the items and the funds.

Outside, a truck from the Merced County Food Bank was parked, full of nonperishable food items. Almost 400 boxes of food were given to help more than 1,000 people.

Sharon Leroux, USDA coordinator with the food bank, said, “Seeing the smiles on their faces was phenomenal. That’s what this season is all about, bringing joy to the less fortunate.”

Carla Webb told me, “I came to pick up food, but ended up getting a gift for my son.”

Webb is a single mom who works at a local hotel. Two years ago she was able to give her son a bicycle because of the giveaway.

“This is such a help, and we really appreciate it,” she said. “We live in such a caring community. It’s a beautiful thing.”

On behalf of the Mariposa County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Atkinson thanks all the donors who contributed to this year’s Kops for Kids program.

This story was originally published December 26, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Cops in Mariposa deliver the goodies to kids."