MOSES LAKE - Usually when Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones and a brigade of deputies come knocking at your door the end result it not too pleasant.

But for three Grant County families, a crowd of officers and community members brought the possibility of a special Christmas.

"Our mission today is this, from the top down, from the judges to our kids: the Grant County Criminal Justice Team is going to bring Santa Claus in the shape of a raid bust to three very needy families. And we are going to knock their Christmas stockings off," Detective Matt Messer said.

Monday's all-day effort was Messer's brainchild, and aimed to bring some Christmas cheer to three local families.

The idea was hatched after witnessing another police department's Christmas outreach, and wanting to do something similar for local families.

In November, the Lowell (Michigan) Police Department made traffic stops and gave unsuspecting drivers gifts.

Because Grant County's Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (INET) does not do traffic stops, serving a warrant seemed more fitting.

Monday's effort was designed to take the form of a raid, with officers arriving at each selected house as if they were serving a search/arrest warrant.

Instead of handcuffs, when families opened their doors they were met with a barrage of presents, food and gifts.

At every house, the families received a three-month PUD credit and their PUD bills were brought current. In addition, they received an oil change, car wash and gas card, a night out for the adults, manicures and haircuts and a gift card to shop for immediate needs. Every child in each family received a gift card and at least two gifts to unwrap. Each home was decorated with Christmas decorations and provided a traditional holiday meal, as well as a commercial meal of their choice delivered to their house.

The event was made possible by generous donations throughout the community, which totaled more than $5,000 in gifts and money, according to Messer.

Three families, two in the Moses Lake area and one in Quincy, were selected from the jurisdiction of each agency that participates in INET.

The set-up was simple: every family's clergy member set up a meeting with the family. During the meeting, INET officers, community members, judges and attorneys converged on the families' homes.

"I was kind of scared when my grandma opened the door and I saw cops there. I thought I was in trouble. But then I saw the presents and I got excited," said Deahnna Fuller, 9, of Moses Lake.

Deahnna lives with her grandmother, Kathy Gardener, 78, and Gardener's five other grandchildren ranging from ages 4-14.

As Gardener opened her front door she was met by Sheriff Tom Jones, INET officers, Judge John Knodell, defense attorney Robert Schiffner, Prosecutor-elect Garth Dano, deputies, and friends and family members of officers.

Gardener and her grandkids were blessed with a number of gifts, as well as their "Rest" warrant, in hopes of finding some rest this holiday season.

"We are just thanking God for them, and for their compassion that they have shown," said Gardener. "We are really grateful and that shows me that they care. I am raising all six of them and it has been a difficult challenge. I believe that because He is the reason for the season, you have people coming forward to give."

In addition to their gifts, Gardener's five youngest grandkids each reached a new bicycle, a present which brought a smile to each of their faces.

As people came in and out of Gardener's house, what was left was a truly special Christmas, complete with a decorated house, presents and food.

"The community has just shown us so much love, and showed us they truly care about us," said Gardener.