Cop shop adopts family

Motivated by the spirit of the season and despite a week's notice, Carson City Sheriff's officers raised money to purchase gifts for a trio of brothers who are knee-deep in torn wrappings this morning.

"I'm really proud of the compassion and the effort of the men and women involved in this. They officers will have a little bit better Christmas knowing that this family will have one," said Sgt. Ronald John, who Friday along with Deputy Scott Davis and Deputy Ray Guzman delivered the gifts to their "adopted" family.

"We provided the family, the Sheriff's Department provided the funds and our executive director Tilisa May went shopping," said Rhonda Rickard, program coordinator for the Ron Woods Family Resource Center.

Delivered Friday while the boys were in school was a bicycle with training wheels, skateboard and full equipment, advanced game boy, art supplies, socks, tennis shoes and games.

John said this was the first time in his 10 years on the force that the department has been involved in a program of this sort, but he was thrilled to be a part of it.

"The need arose very quickly and our men and women responded" John said.

Rickard said there was an increase this year in the number of families that came to The Ron Wood Center for help.

"We've had double the number of families," she said.

"People find themselves in situations that are not of their choosing," John said.

He hopes if the program continues, next year there will be a slight adjustment.

"I'd like to see it expand with more than one family and also I'd like the officers to be able to deliver the toys to the children so they can interact break down some of those fearful barriers," the children might have, he said.

"Oftentimes people see us in a negative light. We are always in the situation to enforce the law and there aren't that many opportunities for this sort of thing.

"I've always been very proud of my career but this makes me that much prouder."

The Ron Woods Family Resource Center, 625 Fairview, Suite 113, assists families in rural Nevada. Services they offer include counseling, food, a truancy drop-off center, a car seat program and children's anger management.

The Center is a non profit organization, funded through federal, state and local grants. Donations are accepted year-round.

"People don't have to wait until right before Christmas to donate," Rickard said.