Deputies Spread Holiday Cheer With Special Toy Delivery

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Deputies spread holiday cheer Tuesday by delivering toys to children in East Los Angeles.

Dolls handcrafted by female inmates and wooden cars, trucks and helicopters constructed by male inmates were among the toys delivered to more than 150 boys and girls at Brooklyn Avenue Early Education Center.

"What a way to kick off the holiday season working with Securitas who helped sponsor this and all of the men and women of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department coming together at this school to be able to share some Christmas joy," said newly elected Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell.

The inmate toy-making program has been in place for more than 50 years.

"It gives them something to look forward to and hopefully be able to put them on the path to recovery and be successful when they are released," McDonnell said.