Fresno County Sheriff's deputies deliver toys to children at Valley Children's Hospital

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Nearly two dozen deputies from the Fresno County Sheriff's Department delivered toys to patients at Valley Children's Hospital Tuesday.

For the past several weeks the Sheriff's Department and several other organizations have been collecting toys for patients battling serious illnesses.

Sheriff Margaret Mims said Operation Santa Claus is a tradition that brings the spirit of the holiday season to children you need joy during a difficult time.

"During the holidays you really want to be home and we can't change that, but hopefully we can deliver a little bright spot of joy to them while they are here and let them know we are thinking about them and their family."

Sheriff Mims said her department is already looking forward to returning next Christmas.