DEPUTIES TO HIT STREETS TO ASSIST TOY, FOOD DRIVE.

Byline: Don Holland Daily News Staff Writer

Santa's helpers - the ones with guns and badges - will have their work cut out for them this holiday season as the annual Share-iff Food and Toy Drive aims to hand out gifts and holiday food baskets to 150 families.

``The program started 17 years ago. That first year, I think they had 10 families that the (Ventura County) Sheriff's Department adopted,'' said Jessica Prince, a sheriff's dispatcher coordinating this year's campaign.

This year's goal of helping 150 families around the county is about 30 more than last year and the most ambitious ever. Nevertheless, Prince said some needy families will have to be turned away.

The food and toy drive is sponsored by private donations, including a $4,000 donation from the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association. Unwrapped toys and cash donations may be dropped off at any sheriff's substation until Dec. 8.

Deputies dressed as Santa Claus will then make their deliveries to needy families nominated by deputies, school officials and social service workers.

``It's a lot of fun,'' said Prince. ``We've had kids that are extremely needy. One little girl sat on Santa's lap and said all she wanted was a Barbie. Santa pulled it out of his bag and she started crying.''

As in previous years, each family will receive a food basket consisting of a complete turkey dinner and trimmings.

Although The Walt Disney Co., Pepsi, Variflex of Moorpark and Wonder Bread have all pitched in, Prince said the drive is running short on gifts for teens.

Unwrapped donations of new curling irons, blow-dryers, footballs, basketballs and other sports equipment are still needed.

``There's a bigger need for the older kids this year,'' she said. ``So we're really counting on private donations for the older kids.''