The coronavirus pandemic.
Lockdowns. Furloughs. Layoffs.
Protests.
The heated presidential election.
Needless to say, 2020 is full of challenges — young and old alike are equally affected — and the disruption to what we call normal as a society may linger for quite some time.
But there are little joys here and there we can all partake.
Many events may have been cancelled, but the holiday season need not to be in despair.
Especially for the children.
Enter a simple program called “Shop with a Sheriff.”
With the help of local churches and schools, at least 100 children from York County and Poquoson will be able to participate in the program, now on its 20th year.
Dec. 12 at 7:30 a.m., children will arrive at the Tabb Walmart in Yorktown to go Christmas shopping with York-Poquoson Sheriff’s deputies.
“It is just as rewarding for our deputies as it may be for the child,” said York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Shelly Ward. “This is a great community outreach program that we provide for children who may not get anything for the holidays.”
The program was started 20 years ago by a group of deputies. Sgt. Steve Drackert has recently taken over the program after Capt. Dennis Ivey retired, Ward said.
Drackert has been passionate and involved with the program over the past few years, she added.
Drackert is working with Walmart in the aspect of space and social distancing. Deputies will be wearing masks and will offer holiday-themed masks to the children.
“The response from our community is overwhelmingly positive every year,” Ward said. “The donations that come in and the smiles on everyone’s faces are priceless.”
As with any such programs, Shop with a Sheriff needs support from the community.
Checks can be made payable to “Shop with a Sheriff” and mailed to the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office “Shop with a Sheriff,” P.O. Box 99, Yorktown, VA 23690. All donations are tax deductible.
The Shop with a Sheriff committee aims to raise as much money as possible prior to Dec. 12.
Anyone wishing to contribute or receive information about Shop with a Sheriff can contact Shelley Anderson at 757-890-3653.
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