Deputies Say Thanks for Stuff the Bus Contributions to Operation Safehouse

Palm Desert deputies expressed their thanks Thursday evening to everyone who helped collect more than $2,500 in contributions during a Stuff the Bus benefit for Operation SafeHouse.

"During the week of November 1st  through November 7th the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Palm Desert Station, partnered with SafeHouse of the Desert to stuff a bus with critical items needed for youth who are in need," Sgt. Larry Sherman said in a statement.

Benefit volunteers set up at the Target Store in Palm Desert, Sherman said.

"This year's event was a huge success, resulting in the contribution of over $26700.00 in cash, gift cards and goods," Sherman said. "The men and women of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Palm Desert Station, would like to thank everyone who gave to this very worthy cause. We would also like to express our gratitude to the many volunteers, organizations and business partners that helped in achieving the success of this operation."

Operation Safehouse is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the safety and well-being of children in crisis, Sherman said. SafeHouse offers law enforcement personnel a positive alternative when they encounter a runaway youth or youth in crisis.

SafeHouse shelters, which are located in Riverside and Thousand Palms, are the only ones of their kind in Riverside County. For more info visit operationsafehouse.org.