Soledad, CA— On Thursday, August 22, Soledad Police Chief Damon Wasson attended a “big check” presentation at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad.

The Alternative to Violence Program (AVP) incarcerated persons and staff at CTF raised $10,987.19 for the annual Cop’s Giving Tree and LEO Foundation.

“Donations were falling short this year,” says Chief Wasson, “and the folks from AVP came through and raised enough money to make sure the Cop’s Giving Tree will be successful again this year.”

The Cops Giving Tree event is held every year by the Soledad Police Department to help underserved children receive presents during the holiday season.

Chief Wasson adds: My thanks to the men in the AVP program and the staff at the CTF for making sure the community of Soledad will once again have a successful Cop’s Giving Tree and a Merry Christmas. Special thanks to Dan (Santa) Ferguson, Darius Galloway, Warden Borla, and the rest of the staff working in front of and behind the scenes to make this happen.