A decades-long tradition that continues to bring holiday cheer to local families on Christmas Eve, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office Uniform Reserve program once again delivered Santa and presents into the night Tuesday visiting 60 families.
This special evening, which has continued for 30-plus years, happens through the efforts of Carson City Sheriff’s Office volunteers, Uniform Reserve Unit, Search & Rescue and Mounted Unit volunteers.
Six Santas were joined by many helpers to make the 2024 event possible, said CCSO Reserve Commander and Volunteer Coordinator Robert Rikalo. A Santa Claus visit was also made to the pediatric ward at Carson Tahoe Hospital.
Each year, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office sets up a Santa Hotline where Carson City residents can call and get on a list for the visit. The hotline was announced over Thanksgiving weekend. Once the list was established, the volunteers met at the sheriff’s office for coordinating, mapping and details.
Gifts are left by parents outside the door so that when Santa arrives, he can make the promised delivery.
Then it was off, dashing to the next location after a quick 10 to 15-minute visit by Santa and helpers.
Families selected were given the details of the visit, and could, if they wished, make a donation to the Carson City Sheriff’s Reserve Unit. Proceeds are used to offset the costs of uniforms, training, equipment and duty gear.
Scroll through the photos, courtesy of Reserve Commander and Volunteer Coordinator Robert Rikalo.
