On Dec. 20, 2005, the North Bend station of the King County Sheriff’s Office conducted its 13th 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 response was tremendous. There was enough food, toys and money donated to give 22 families in the area a “merrier” Christmas. Each family received food and gifts, as well as a gift certificate/voucher for food.

A special thank you to the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, Mount Si VFW Post 9476, the staff of the city of North Bend, Red Oak Residence, Loretta and Laure Anne Wilbert, Di Irons, Chuck and Sue Batty, Linda Hover, Iliff Jacobs, Adventure Bowling Center, Nancy Wray and numerous Snoqualmie Valley residents.

The deputies 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.

Sgt. Joseph Hodgson

King County Sheriff’s Office North Bend Substation