SANTA & COOK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES MAKE SPECIAL DELIVERY TO NEEDY FAMILY
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 — Santa and his Deputy friends from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office made Christmas a little brighter for a needy family victimized by a drunk driver when they delivered a sleigh-load of clothing, food and toys Tuesday afternoon.
Sheriff’s Deputies from the 2nd District Circuit Courthouse in Skokie raised nearly $1,000 among the employees over the last two weeks to purchase the items for Polyanna and Jose Soriano and their three children.
Deputies chose to assist the Soriano family after hearing their victim impact statement detailing their September, 2007, car crash in which they were hit head on by a drunk driver. The couple were returning home from buying diapers and baby food for their young children. Fortunately, their children, ages 3 and 5, were not involved in the accident. A victim impact statement details the impact an offender has had on his victims in the aftermath of the crime or incident.
During the Sept. 1, 2007, accident, both adults sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized for weeks. Now, more than a year later, they continue to suffer the ill effects of the trauma both physically and financially. Both are now unemployed and they have had to move their family nearly 50 miles from Cook County out to the Village of Lakemoor in McHenry County.
Tuesday’s delivery was met with smiles, tears and overwhelming gratitude from the family, including hugs for Santa from the Soriano children, Ian, 5 and CJ, 3. Baby sister Gigi, who is only 7 weeks old, was also on hand when Santa arrived.