Bringing cheer to underprivileged children, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office held its 21st annual Day with a Deputy at the Bobby Jones Walmart on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 21.
After collecting donations from several businesses in the CSRA, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office raised approximately $16,000 and had school counselors select 54 children to shop with a deputy.
Each child was allotted a $300 budget to spend on necessities and Christmas presents to ensure all would have something to unwrap during the holidays.
“We want them to get toys of course, but also necessities, because I don’t want any kids to leave here with a buggy full of toys but not have a winter coat or some shoes they need,” said head event organizer Sgt. Daniel Massey.
By reaching out and building relationships with various local families and inviting many local law enforcement agencies to attend, Massey said the event promotes community outreach and shows children officers’ friendly side.
“We want these kids to also see a positive side to law enforcement. We don’t want kids to be scared of us, because a lot of times kids associate cops with ‘bad guys’ and going to jail,” he said. “So, we want them to leave knowing that we’re their friends and we’re here to help them, and we like to give back.”
Like multiple attending departments, Taylor Pearce, the public information officer for district 10 of the Georgia Department Community Supervision, said her agency wanted to participate in the event because it aligned with their organization’s mission to better the community.
“There’s a heavy emphasis on us being in the community. Our agency provides community supervision for those under felony sentences, so we’re very engaged with the community in providing them opportunities to be successful upon completion of their sentence,” she said. “We’re communicating with people in neighborhoods to see that they are doing well and seeing where we can provide them resources.”
Pearce said she hopes partaking families leave with a stronger sense of community.
“I hope that they can see how this is a community effort and that we are all here to help each other and support each other,” she said. “My favorite part is being engaged with the community and seeing the young kids – building that great rapport by being together.”
As parents took a back seat allowing a deputy to keep track of the budget and selected items, many children could be seen throughout the Walmart laughing and smiling while they shopped with a new buddy.
For many participating families, the event meant giving their children a more enjoyable holiday season.
“This means everything to us. It’s just an extra boost,” said mother Tiffany Hubbard. “We appreciate all the cops that help put this together, and I appreciate the love, them being caring and just seeing the smiles on my kids’ faces. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Hubbard said it meant a lot to her family to know that law enforcement took the time to showcase their concern for children and parents in need.
“With everything going on over the years, sometimes you don’t always know that cops are genuine, to be honest, but this has definitely opened up my heart and mind a little more, towards the cops,” she said. “This lets me have a special place for them in my heart.”
The Hubbard’s shopping partner, Deputy Sariah Payne, said it was her first year volunteering for the event, and she was honored to have the opportunity to help another family during the holiday season.
“It’s been a wonderful experience. I’m glad I get to give back to my community and help,” she said. “I’m just glad to be a part of it and that I got to make [the Hubbards] Christmas special.”
As dozens of children left the store with new jeans, winter coats, shoes, fluffy toys, backpacks and shiny bicycles, parents and deputies could be seen shaking hands and smiling with joy as the event drew to a close.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
