Operation "Gift-A-Vet" is a partnership between the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and the Northern Nevada State Veterans House since 2020.

It is a way that our employees could give back and, really say thank you to the men and women who have served in our armed forces." Said Bryan Samudio, WCSO Information Officer.

A tree located inside the county jail has ornaments on it that represents the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines Coast Guard, and each veteran at the at the house has a chance to ask for three wishes. According to Samudio, the employees have snatched up about 50 of them already.

Annually, there are usually 90 to 100 gifts go over to the to the house, and will be delivered on December 14. Some of the most popular gifts this year include sheepskin slippers, a warm blanket, a flannel shirt and a clock radio.

The event is getting so popular that they are considering moving the tree to the lobby so that the public can actually come by and pick up an ornament and help those that have sacrificed for our country adds Samudio.

WCSO used to participate in the the Angel Tree program that went into about 2016. But employees said they needed to do something to get back on track and help out some folks in the area that can't go out and afford the things hat they really need.

Even if it's something as simple as I saw in the tree, a pair of diabetic socks, something as simple as that, a warm blanket, or maybe maybe a knit cap or something like that. And, and we do have plenty of veterans in this building. And that's a very, very strong cause.

Donations can be made online to the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home.