RRPD throws Christmas Party for kids in need

RIO RANCHO — Rio Rancho families in need celebrated Christmas with the help of Rio Rancho Police Department and the high schools that donated toys.

The RRPD Christmas Party was at Rio Rancho High School Dec. 14.

“The energy was very positive today; we had a lot of smiles on our little humans. Parents were happy. Even just everybody that was here — from officers to civilians to high school, students, family members of those that I work with were also here — everybody had a smile on their face,” Officer Daisy Gomez said.

She added that everyone worked well together to keep the day fun.

“Today is important because we have the school every year to do a Christmas party on behalf of the Rio Rancho Police Department for our communities that are in need,” Gomez said.

Newborns to kids 12 years old not only got Christmas presents but a chance to visit Santa and the Galloping Goat petting zoo.

“Our counselors at the elementary schools do a good job of trying to find families that are in need,” Gomez said.

This year the party was more of a festival though, because of the petting zoo and the games kids could play with the chance to win prizes.

“As we go year by year, we’re starting to add more stuff to our festival, making it bigger and more fun for the kids,” Gomez said.

Kids also got a bear and a book from Santa during his visit.

Amber Mitchell was at the event with her family. “It was a beautiful blessing. We all got blessed. The kids were super excited, and police did an amazing job,” she said.

She added that Santa was sweet.

“He likes green chile,” Mitchell said.

Gomez said the day was a success and the families who didn’t get their toys yet will still be able to get them.

“I think that this is something positive that we can do for our community. It also builds rapport with our community that Rio Rancho PD is out there for the community, not just in the tough situations but also to help the community,” Gomez said.