Inmates Bring Christmas to Needy Children

Playing Santa Claus for a day, four Ventura County Sheriff’s Department inmates on Tuesday handed out toys to more than a dozen needy children who gathered at the Government Center for the county’s annual “Santa’s Workshop.”

For some of the children, the gifts--made by the inmates at the county’s Honor Farm in Ojai--will be the only ones they receive for Christmas.

“It’s a chance for some of these underprivileged children to get things that they normally would not get,” Undersheriff Richard S. Bryce said.

Using scrap wood and donated fabric, the inmates spent most of the year making the toys, which included dolls, wooden rocking horses, carved airplanes and racing cars.

Each year a few of the inmates deliver their creations to the youngsters in a ceremony before the County Board of Supervisors.

“It makes you feel good about doing something for the needy,” said Nick Burks, one of the four inmates at the Tuesday event.

This year, the inmates made about 250 toys, down from 500 in 1992. Bryce said the work was hampered because of the county’s decision to shut down the Rose Valley Work Camp, were many of the toys were made. He said the department hopes to increase production next year.

The children who receive the toys each year include those from Candelaria American Indian Council, church groups, homeless shelters and other organizations.

“It’s neat for the kids,” said Esther Ramirez, who lives in a homeless shelter with her 4-year-old son. “They look forward to it.”