Santa’s way was lit not with Rudolph’s red nose, but with two fire engines early last week as the personnel of the Hoquiam Police Department (HPD) and Hoquiam Fire Department (HFD) delivered gifts to local families in need.
The deliveries were a part of their second annual giving tree donations, with 10 families identified by the Hoquiam School District receiving gifts this year.
The giving tree was placed in the HPD lobby at the beginning of this month. The tree was covered in tags representing gifts for each family. Members of the community took the tags and purchased the gifts, which were then returned to the station for delivery.
HPD Office Manager Candi Wertanen wrapped the giving tree gifts that were then delivered to the designated families by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. For Hoquiam police officer Sgt. Shane Krohn, assisting with the deliveries was a family affair this year. He was joined by his wife, who is a local school teacher, and his children.
“My wife and I will forever remember the family of 10! The little girl jumping up and down, looking at the officer’s gun belt, staring up at my daughters (the elves) and Santa,” said Krohn.
As the vehicles wove through the streets of Hoquiam, additional gifts were given to nearby children whose families were not selected, but were drawn out by the commotion. These gifts were provided by the Grays Harbor Farmers Market/Deidra’s Deli, Grays Harbor Fire District No. 2., and surplus gifts from residents.
Children at the Lincoln Commons were happy to brave the light rain to take pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and enjoy the sirens of the fire engines. Toys and crafts were distributed to excited children by HPD and HFD personnel as families came to enjoy the festivities.
The Hoquiam Police Department began the giving tree last year after the annual “Shop with a Cop” event was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. The giving tree gave the officers an opportunity to participate in the holiday cheer in a safe and socially-distanced manner. It also allowed for the HFD to participate in the giving spirit, as they are not a part of the Shop with a Cop festivities.
Although Shop with a Cop returned this year, the police department decided to continue with the giving tree, and expanded the program from six to 10 families.
“With the current changes in policing these days and the negative perception towards law enforcement, this event is truly inspiring,” said Sgt. Krohn. “Seeing the look on the kids’ faces when Santa arrives with the gifts is priceless!”
