Trunk of H.O.P.E. event serves toys to over 400 kids

EL PASO, Texas -- Families from across the borderland made their way to the El Paso Sheriff’s Office patrol station in the village of Vinton where many of their Christmas dreams came true at the 2019 'Trunk of H.O.P.E.' event.

The event is annually pieced together by Angel Gomez, who runs the non-profit Operation H.O.P.E. and regularly partners with local law enforcement to serve underprivileged families.

“These kids they’re smiles are everything," said Gomez. "That is what makes it all worth while. Honestly it does and we start prepping for Christmas in July and start collecting toys.”

This years giveaway was bigger than most, with over 400 children getting toys, delivered not by reindeer but by 5 police cruisers, all filled with games, dolls and action figures.

“It is good for the kids to see us out there to help them so they do not have any reason to be afraid of police and if they see an officer to know they can come to us for help and building a good trust with the community," said officer Rosalie Ash.

There were more than 1,000 toys to pick from and families also get sent home with well rounded Christmas meal.