By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer

Thanks to the Making Spirits Bright program at SkyPark at Santa’s Village, along with a grant from the Sheriff’s Employees Benefit Association (a sheriff’s bargaining unit) and volunteers from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station, a Valley of Enchantment family in need of some human kindness was able to enjoy a day of fun and entertainment at SkyPark at Santa’s Village on Sunday, Dec. 18.
According to Sheriff’s Lt. Craig Harris, community members also donated what he called “a carload of toys and other gifts.”
Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station Commander Capt. Don Lupear told The Alpine Mountaineer that SEBA donates funds to each sheriff’s station so they can choose a special family that needs help at this time of the year.
“One of our detectives, Alicia Rosa, is to be thanked for organizing this yearly event and coordinating it with SkyPark,” Capt. Lupear said.
A highlight of the family’s visit to the historic theme park was a chance to visit with Santa Claus inside his rustic log cabin, where the children had a chance to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. Following their visit with Santa, the special family had a variety of attractions to enjoy, including a children’s zipline, climbing tower, ice skating arena, Northwoods Express train ride, a pedal car racetrack, Santa’s toy test track and many more.
Capt. Lupear wants to remind readers that the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station will be hosting its annual Feast for Families event at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22.
“We will be hosting 20 local families and providing them with a traditional Christmas dinner that they can take home with them,” he said. Also available will be toys for the youngsters donated to the sheriff’s toy drive and the California Highway Patrol’s CHiPs for Kids toy drive. Children will also be able to receive gifts after sitting on Santa’s lap.
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PHOTOS:

Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station volunteers with their chosen special family meet Santa Claus. (Photo courtesy of SkyPark)

SkyPark Concierge Gummdrop greets all visitors to the theme park. (Photo by Douglas W. Motley)

Children are about to reach the top of a climbing tower. (Photo by Douglas W. Motley)

Arrow’s Adventure is one of the many attractions at SkyPark. (Photo by Douglas W. Motley)