Christmas In Immokalee

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the holiday season in Immokalee by wrapping gifts for kids and distributing free bicycles and helmets.

For the fifth year, CCSO members wrapped presents for nearly 500 Immokalee children during the Guadalupe Center’s annual Holiday Gift Shop. The Guadalupe Center selected deserving families in the community and provided each child with three gifts and a stuffed animal. More than 100 bicycles were also given away during the event.

CCSO participated for the first time in Bethel Assembly of God Church’s giveaway event. Dec. 22. Deputies, along with McGruff the Crime Dog, hung out with area children and distributed more than 250 free bicycles and helmets. More than 100 of these helmets were donated by the CCSO. The church also gave out toys to the kids during the event.

During both events, CCSO members spoke with Immokalee residents and shared important information on various ways they can stay safe within their community.

Victim advocate Leticia Cuevas assists a parent select gifts for her family during the Guadalupe Center’s annual gift-wrapping event. Photo by Cpl. Ana Russell/CCSO

Planning and Research Manager Deborah Chester and Volunteer Coordinator Susan Vivonetto helped wrap presents at the Guadalupe Center.

More than 250 bikes and helmets were distributed to Immokalee children, thanks to the strong community partnership between CCSO and Bethel Assembly of God Church.

McGruff the Crime Dog meets with children at Bethel Assembly of God Church’s bike giveaway event in Immokalee.

Photos by Susan Gentry/CCSO (3)