Some lucky Houston County residents receive free Christmas gifts

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol and the United States Marines swarmed a Warner Robins government housing complex.

It happened Wednesday around 1:30 p.m., as law enforcement cars blared their sirens and blue lights as they pulled into the T.J. Calhoun community.

Although initially it appeared to be a raid as sheriff’s deputies blocked off the streets.  But this time no one was arrested.

The deputies, Marines, and troopers surprised residents with Santa Claus delivering Christmas toys.  It was all part of the “Toys for Tots” campaign.

“It’s just a way to get back in touch with the community and be involved and try to help where there’s a need,” says Houston County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division Capt. Ronnie Harlowe.

The marines have been giving away toys with the GSP and Houston County Sheriff’s Office for three years. The T. J. Calhoun Community was the first stop in their rolling Toys for Tots campaign.

According to Capt. Harlowe, they had several more stops to make on Christmas Eve.

“First of all we enjoy doing it and we enjoy giving back to the community, especially to people that actually need the help,” explained U. S. Marine Staff Sgt. Joshua Colantonio.

They also gave out coats and shoes to residents along with the Christmas gifts.