Kids get a Christmas miracle: Truck-loads full of toys delivered by sheriff’s officers – nj.com

Khairi Footman, a student at the 14th Avenue School in Newark reacts as he receives his Christmas gifts from the Essex County sheriff’s department on Thursday, during the annual Holiday Gift Drive. The department delivered toys to various houses of worship, schools and social service agencies in Newark.

It’s the holiday season and the Essex County Sheriff’s Department is out once again bringing the spirit of Christmas to the children of Newark during its annual Holiday Gift Drive.

On Thursday, Sheriff Armondo Fontoura and a team of Essex County sheriff’s officers loaded pick-up trucks and SUVs with hundreds of toys to be delivered to houses of worship, schools, and social service agencies.

According to Sheriff Fontoura, the primary donations came from officers and civilian staff from his department. Members of the Essex County Municipal Government and local community also made donations.

“We are trying to fulfill every child’s need and every child’s dream,” Fontoura said.  “Our vehicles are loaded with video games, tablets, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, books, all sorts of sports gear, dolls and board games. We can’t wait to provide Christmas cheer to the entire community. The work we do at this time of the year is a gift from the uniformed officers of our department to our neighbors.”

The sheriff’s office donated hundreds of toys to the needy and less fortunate children of Essex County.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

A student at the 14th Avenue School in Newark smiles as she receives her gifts.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Members of the Essex County sheriff’s department deliver toys to La Casa de Don Pedro Early Childhood Education Center in Newark on Thursday during their annual Holiday Gift Drive.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Jarel Alvardo, left, a student at the 14th Avenue School in Newark reacts as he receives his Christmas gifts.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Essex County Sheriff Amando Fontoura,right, and members of the Essex County sheriff’s department deliver toys to students at the 14th Avenue School in Newark.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Students of La Casa de Don Pedro Early Childhood Education Center in Newark sing Christmas songs for  the members of the Essex County sheriff’s department.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

A La Casa de Don Pedro Early Childhood Education Center student watches as gifts are delivered.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Students at the 14th Avenue School in Newark wait to receive their holiday gift.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

A students at the 14th Avenue School in Newark is excited to receive her holiday gift.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Students of La Casa de Don Pedro Early Childhood Education Center wait for the gifts to arrive.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Students at the 14th Avenue School in Newark receive Christmas gifts from members of the Essex County sheriff’s department on Thursday,

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Essex County Sheriff Amando Fontoura, left , and members of the Essex County sheriff’s department deliver toys to students at the 14th Avenue School in Newark on Thursday during their annual Holiday Gift Drive.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Students of La Casa de Don Pedro Early Childhood Education Center in Newark sing Christmas songs.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Students at the 14th Avenue School in Newark receive Christmas gifts.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Students at the 14th Avenue School in Newark receive Christmas gifts.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Students of La Casa de Don Pedro Early Childhood Education Center in Newark wait for the gifts to arrive.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Essex County Sheriff Amando Fontoura, right, delivers Christmas gifts to students at the 14th Avenue School in Newark.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Patti Sapone may be reached at psapone@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter: @psapone. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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