On Dec. 17, 2003, the King County Sheriff’s Office (North Bend Substation) and the Washington State Patrol (North Bend Detachment), conducted its 11th annual “Operation Santa Claus.”

During November, notification was made to the local newspaper requesting donations of nonperishable food and toys to be dropped off at the substation. Cash donations could be put into the Operation Santa Claus account at the Bank of America in North Bend.

As always the community responded very well, donating enough food, toys and money to give 27 families in the area a “merrier” Christmas. Each family received two boxes filled with food and gifts, as well as a gift certificate/voucher for food.

A special thank you to Di Irons; the Darla Kohlruss family; Snoqualmie Valley Women’s Hospital Auxiliary; Mount Si VFW Post No. 9476; Eagles AERIE No. 3529; Overlake Medical Clinic; Girl Scout Troop No. 2378; Two Rivers Alternative School; Nancy Ray; Sue Beatty; Bob Rivers; Washington State Patrol; Connie Kirby; all of Santa’s elves at Cost U Less; and numerous Snoqualmie Valley residents.

The deputies, troopers and staff at the North Bend Substation wish to thank each one of you for your generosity to the community and for letting us play “Santa Claus” for you.

Chief Joe Hodgson

North Bend Substation