The Sheriff’s annual Relief Fund was kicking into high gear Thursday, Dec. 21 in the basement of the Valley Bank in Thompson Falls.

Theresa Milner, office administrator for the Sanders County Sheriffs Office, was full-steam ahead with some of her helpers from Avista as they bagged up presents for families around the county.

This year will see 157 families helped with the donations this Christmas dinner and presents. The total number of kids sits at 410 for presents required.

“The people at Avista have truly gone above and beyond this year as we were short a little money. But they came through and we have enough presents for everyone,” said Milner.

Milner also mentioned that True Value Hardware was able to help pick up the few extra presents to which they were short of and deliver them all wrapped and ready.

The small group of “elves” that Milner had helping on the Thursday have been donating their time for the last few years and enjoyed the small get together to help others.

“Friday will be very busy as we get all the food from Harvest Foods here in Thompson Falls and get all the meal baskets together, then drop them off all around the county,” explained Milner excitedly.

“It’s always a fantastic time of year, I even have one lady who received a drop off nearly ten years ago that has donated something for the fund each year since,” said Milner.

“Years change for people and families here in Sanders County but there always seems to be those who have received are happy to give back when they can,” she added.

As the snow began to settle in for the impending arrival of Christmas Day, volunteers and deputies were making ready their trucks to deliver some Christmas cheer around the county.