Dec. 23, 2008 — Lassen Family Services held it’s annual open house and awards ceremony Thursday, Dec. 11, where LFS staff and exceptional public servants were honored. LFS Executive Director Darla Freeman handed out award plaques to crisis line volunteer of the year Sandra Tiffin, Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer of the year Heidi Ard, shelter staffer of the year Marvetta Radomske, law enforcement officer of the year Rob McElrath, of the Susanville Police Department, and LFS employee of year Administrative Assistant Brenda Prince.

In addition, Freeman recognized the community in general for efforts and support.

“Tonight would not be complete if I didn’t take a moment to thank the community for its support, and for allowing us to serve the victims of domestic violence in Lassen County,” she said.

The open house also gave Freeman a chance to recognize those involved in the 19th annual LFS and California Correctional Center hobbycraft fair and 16th annual Weasels’ motorcycle toy run, both of which took place on the weekend of Dec. 5 and 6 at the Lassen County Fairgrounds.

Both events raised funds, one hundred percent of which will go towards helping victims of domestic violence and their families, while the motorcycle run, held by the motorcycle groups the Weasels and the Iron Warriors, collected countless holiday gifts for families effected by domestic violence.

All items sold at the hobby craft fair were donated by CCC fire camp inmates who spend their free time crafting jewelry boxes, clocks, chairs, birdhouses and other woodworking projects to be sold at the fair and have the proceeds directly given to LFS.

Freeman said LFS, in conjunction with CCC, raised a total of $5,397, including a $250 cash donation from CCC and fire camps, from the hobbycraft sale and auction. The Weasels also donated a cash sum of $222, in addition to the hundreds of toys donated.

Freeman teared up a bit when she talked about how much both events mean to the staff at LFS and the families who will be helped as a result.

“I can never say enough about everyone who helps put these events together and how much we appreciate them,” said Freeman.

“We truly appreciate everything that they do on behalf of the victims and their families.”