Entire family A-Rested for being good
The 20 or so volunteers take a parting picture with the Gutierrez family.
After the end of construction of Wanapum and Priest Rapids dams in the 1950s, the thriving communities of Beverly and Schawana – and Mattawa – lost just about everyone with any money, and they declined.
They started to be reborn with the development of agriculture on the Wahluke and Royal Slopes, populated today by farm working families. But farm worker wages are not nearly as effective as dam construction wages, and these communities are now among the poorest in America.
You don’t need statistics to know that. Just go there and see.
A family from Schawana was one of five in the county selected this year for a special Christmas by an organization made up of law enforcement volunteers and volunteers from other agencies.
This special day had a bit of twist at the staging area. A family at The Outpost saw Santa exit his vehicle, and the kids did what kids always do. No problem, Santa visited with them, took a picture with them and handed them some gifts.
This was the first one of these A-Rest days I have attended. It was at an old, well-worn single wide mobile home. There was not a single sign of Christmas. The family can’t afford what we take for granted with our over-decorated houses.
The family was told what was about to happen by a police chaplain just minutes before we were to arrive. Still, they seemed to be in some level of shock at what unfolded next. They wanted to smile but also seemed to wonder if this was real.
It was as real as the old “Queen for a Day” television program. They were showered with gifts. They received all of the stuff needed for a traditional American Christmas dinner, including stuffing and a turkey. Then came a Christmas tree ready to plug into electricity, and then Christmas decorations for the home.
There were several envelopes with gift cards of all types: Nail care for mom and daughters, dinners, Wal-Mart. There were two large boxes of gifts for the children. A boy, about 8, asked of the second box: “Those are for us, too?”
Yup, tears came to my eyes.
“That’s why I don’t use mascara on this day,” said Sharon, the publicist for the group.
Then Santa Claus came in to hand out Christmas stockings. He lit up the room. The mother’s smile was warm, gracious and big.
We went outside for the final surprise for two girls and one boy. They just gazed at their brand new bikes. They had to be told it was okay to get on and ride.
I started walking to my car, accompanied by a 6-4, 250-pound sheriff’s deputy. His patrol vehicle was parked behind my clunker.
Something like that can sure make you tear up, I said.
“It happens every time,” he responded.
In addition to helping deliver the gifts, Sheriff Tom Jones thanked the father and mother for being hard (farm) working members of the community. The A-Rest warrant signified it was time for them to take and enjoy a break.
This was community policing at its best. I applaud every law enforcement officers involved and all of the others who serve.
Have a happy new year.
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