Two law enforcement agencies play Santa this Christmas, donating to families in need

Two local law enforcement agencies went the extra mile this holiday season, donating their time and money both on and off their shifts to bring some holiday cheer to families in need on Christmas Day.

For the second annual Operation Holiday Cheer, the Fresno Police Department handed out more than 600 donated gifts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Last year, Raven Masse, the wife of Fresno Police Officer Pierce Masse, started the program to help families while having officers interact with and bring joy to children during the holiday season.

Meanwhile, Madera County Sheriff’s deputies Josh Cushing and Richard Gutierrez also made a holiday donation this Christmas. While responding to a service call in Madera, Cushing found a family of five that wasn’t planning on celebrating Christmas this year due to financial restraints and unfortunate circumstances. Working with the owners of the Madera Grocery Outlet, the deputies were able to bring new toys and blankets off the shelves for the four children and a gift card for the mother just in time for Christmas. Cushing also bought presents with his own money for the family.

This story was originally published December 25, 2015 at 8:39 PM with the headline "Two law enforcement agencies play Santa this Christmas, donating to families in need."