Henderson County officials deliver Christmas gifts to nursing home residents in Malakoff.

Deputies from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, Peace Officers Association and Trinity Valley Community College distributed gifts of blankets, socks, gloves, robes and stuffed animals to the elderly Thursday in Henderson County.

Hundreds of gifts were given to residents of nursing and assisted living homes in Henderson County, Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said.

Hillhouse, David Faught, president of the Henderson County Peace Officers’ Association, and Kendall Wellman of the community college began the day in Athens and then visited homes in Malakoff, Gun Barrel City and Chandler.

“You would be surprised to see the joy that the smallest, unexpected gift brings to the faces of these wonderful people,” the sheriff said.

Faught said members of the Peace Officer’s Association jumped at the opportunity to spread the Christmas spirit.

“This time of year brings out our best,” he said. “The generosity in the hearts of law enforcement really shines through.”

Wellman, of the community college, was instrumental in bringing the campus into the gift-giving campaign. We wanted to give back to this county and especially brighten the day for these special people,” he said.

Hillhouse said he plans to make the gift drive an annual tradition at his office and looks to expand the operation next year.

– Henderson County Sheriff’s Office