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California police step in as Santa Claus to replace fired woman’s stolen gifts

California police step in as Santa Claus to replace fired woman’s stolen gifts

Quinones tried to make the most of the situation, adding that she was thankful her dog Simba, who is recovering from being hit by a car a few months ago, wasn’t home when the break-in happened.

“Things can be replaced, but not him,” Quinones said. “I don’t know what would have happened to him if he had been there. I guess I try to see the glass as half full, not empty.”

Antioch Police Department Officer Ashley Lundin responded to the burglary in progress call on West 9th Street. She said some neighbors saw people leaving Quinones’ home. Despite an extensive search of the area, the suspects were never caught.

Still, the whole incident unsettled Lundin.

“It didn’t sit right with me and I felt terrible for her,” she said.

Lundin, who began his law enforcement career in 2014 and arrived in Antioch three years ago, felt he had to do something.

“Just seeing how distraught she was, knowing her financial situation that she lost her job as Christmas approaches, it just tugged at my heart,” Lundin said. “I felt really bad and knew we could help her somehow. I wanted to make that happen.”

In response, Lundin rallied her team, asking if anyone was willing to donate clothes and toys for Quinones’ children.

Eventually, her sergeant contacted a dispatch manager in Antioch who helps organize toy drives and donations during the holidays.

“We have this APD Holiday Adopt a Family program where we give donations and gifts to families in need,” Lundin said.

Lundin contacted Quinones and asked if he wanted to be part of the program.

“She was extremely grateful,” Lundin said.

On Sunday, Lundin and her day shift crew arrived at the Quinones’ home and replaced the stolen gifts, bringing a little holiday magic to the family. Quinones couldn’t hold back the tears when he saw Lundin and other officers bring the gifts.

“That was so nice of them,” she said. “They brought lots of beautiful things like Barbie dolls, Minnie Mouse, Hello Kitty, blankets… lots of beautiful gifts.”

Quinones said she now looks forward to seeing her two granddaughters’ reactions when they open their presents.

“They’re going to love it,” she said.

Quinones hopes to find a new job soon, but for now he wants to spend time with his loved ones.

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