Sheriff's Department Seeks Arts & Crafts Supplies for Toys Handcrafted by Inmates

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials put out a request today for raw materials that will be used by county jail inmates to construct wooden toys and cloth dolls to needy children for the holidays.

The toy program is in its 50th year, but Sheriff Lee Baca said he is hoping for donations from residents and merchants to ensure the inmates have the materials needed to make the toys.

"I am extremely proud of the men and women involved in this ongoing program,'' Baca said. "Each year, the labors of the instructional staff and jail inmates brighten the lives of children within our communities by providing a gift that may be the only one the child receives at Christmastime.''

Personnel from the Pitchess Detention Center and South Facility will distribute about 150 wooden cars, trucks and helicopters and 1,400 cloth dolls.

"The program is a blessing to the children and enables the inmates to use their time in a productive manner that benefits the community,” Baca said.

Materials used to create these holiday gifts are usually donated by local merchants and residents. The items needed to make these toys have to be replaced every year. Donations sought include wood, wood stain, yarn, cloth material or sewing thread. 

People interested in donating doll materials should call Gloria Welsh at (323) 568-4500, and anyone with wooden toy materials should contact Sgt. Gerri McCorkle at (661) 295-8805.

- City News Service contributed to this report.