Cheer Unwrapped at County Hospital

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center's hallways were filled with uniformed police officers as they made hand-deliveries to a few of the hospital's youngest patients. Children staying in the medical center's emergency department and outpatient care center were treated to wrapped toys donated by Rite Aid stores and candy while enjoying visits with Santa, who was escorted by members of the Colton Police Officer's Association on the morning of Dec. 23. But that's not where it stopped - children simply visiting the hospital were also treated to a free gift. "We touched so many in the surrounding communities," said officer Rich Randolph, president of the CPOA. "ARMC watched every point of entry and let us know if a child walked in via the radio. Patient or not, every child got a toy. Not only were there kids from Colton, but we gave to kids from Big Bear, from Victorville and from so many places." The annual event, known affectionately as Operation Giving, is a holiday tradition carried out by the officer's association that this Christmas saw its fourth anniversary. Over 80 toys were given to children at the hospital, purchased by CPOA officers and also donated by Rite Aid. "This is part of how we give back to a community we value," said Randolph. "We have a partnership with ARMC and we are very close with the staff." The pre-Christmas event kicked off with a briefing at the hospital before gifts were distributed, with breakfast provided by Leno's Ricos Tacos. Mayor Richard De La Rosa gave a brief speech to the crowd, consisting of CPOA officers, several other City Council members and ARMC officials. In an email sent to city directors and ARMC officials following the event, Mayor De La Rosa addressed the CPOA, saying, "Operation Giving has made our city proud. Your professional presence along with kindness, caring attitude to the children and parents at ARMC was well received by the public and media. Thank you for making a child smile and 'setting the bar.'" Additionally, the CPOA donates Christmas trees and gifts to families in need in the community. The families are typically recommended by CPOA officers who make their rounds in the community, but this year was slightly different when the police union donated to Wendy Amaya and her five children, Randolph explained. "Wendy called us up and asked if she could be a part of Operation Giving this year. I said, 'Yeah, do you know a family?' and she said, 'Yes, mine,'" Randolph said. "She has five children and they all got full-on Santa wish lists. They each got the toys they wanted."