CHP distributes toys to families in need on Christmas Eve

Several families received a big surprise from the California Highway Patrol -- the department distributed hundreds of toys on Christmas Eve to families in need. 

“Heartwarming I’m so glad that I came. I missed it in the past. Just to see the faces on the kids and the love that they feel...it’s absolutely fabulous,” said Darryl Branstetter, senior volunteer, CHP. 

The department and other volunteers distributing toys Christmas Eve morning to families in need in the east valley. 

“We’re here to distribute approximately 52 bicycles to children here in the greater Coachella Valley,” said Maurice Trudell, volunteer, Acme Moving and Storage. 

Many were surprised by the gesture and grateful for the gifts some say they otherwise wouldn’t receive this year. The department has been collecting toy donations as part of their annual toy drive at various locations across the valley 

They say  they couldn’t pull it off without the generosity of those who gave this holiday season: "We have such a wonderful giving community that makes days like this. So without them we wouldn't have any toys. So we want to just say a big thank you to all of our partnerships and all the people that took the time to donate toys to these communities,” said Jackie Quintero, spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol.