The workers said they have all been on the receiving end of charitable donations at some time in their lives, whether overcoming depression, conquering a personal drug addiction, or having a relative with a drug problem.

Each worker received a $1,500 bonus, and Loafer Creek Land Management matched the amount for a total of $18,000.

Judge Darrell Stevens, who oversees the drug court, is dispersing the funds through the Salvation Army and a women's shelter for recovering drug addicts in Chico. The money will also be used to buy toys, pizzas, supermarket gift certificates, appointment books for drug-court clients, and other gifts and materials.

"It means a great deal because it shows that people in the community do care about people who are trying to better themselves," said Stevens. "These are people who have lived lives of addiction that have led them to financial ruin, who have been excluded from the community. For them to now be able to have a Christmas dinner, and small things like a pizza night out with their children, it makes them feel included. Self-esteem is a very important thing in the recovery process, and especially at Christmas time."

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