Thanks to the generosity and the help of local churches, community members and schools, 100 children from York County and Poquoson are participating in the “Shop with a Sheriff” program for the 20th year in a row.
This year has been a challenge for a lot of families, but the Shop with a Sheriff program is bringing joy to local kids and families after such a stressful year of uncertainty, organizers said.
York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Shelly Ward said they had to make some changes this year because of the pandemic — for safety reasons.
This year instead of shopping with deputies, the participating children will be coming to York High School with their families on Dec. 12, tell a volunteer their name and pick up gifts that have been wrapped specifically for them.
School counselors who recommended kids for the program were asked this year to get a list of of what each kid wanted for Christmas, so kids did not have to go out with deputies to pick out toys in person.
“The shopping was done by volunteers, deputies, and professional staff,” Ward said.
The program was started 20 years ago by a group of deputies. Sgt. Steve Drackert took over the program after Capt. Dennis Ivey retired, Ward said.
Santa will also be in attendance Saturday for the families coming to pick up their gifts.
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