With snow flying, lights flashing and sirens sounding, Santa’s helpers at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office had a busy morning as the Shop for Kids annual shopping extravaganza took place on Saturday. More than 50 area youth were treated to a shopping trip to Target in an effort to make the holiday season a bit brighter for those who need some extra assistance to experience the joy of the season.
The morning started with donuts and juice as the kids, their families and employees of the Sheriff’s Office got to know each other. Everyone then bundled into cars for a special trip from the Sheriff’s Office to the Fishers Target store. Dozens of cars with lights and sirens in full operation stretched down the road as motorists stopped, waved and took photos. What the onlookers couldn’t see were the excited faces of children who, for some, the trip itself was a highlight of the day.
Once at Target, each child was given $150 to spend on holiday presents. Many chose necessities such as coats, shoes, clothes and supplies that they might not otherwise have been able to afford. Everyone found some toys, games, or special items as carts were filled to overflowing. More than $7,000 was spent by over 50 deserving children in the annual holiday tradition.
President of Shop for Kids, Deputy Todd Green, stated this was the largest event in the nine year history of the program. He noted that there were many tears of joy and gratitude mixed with the smiles and laughter as parents saw their children receive presents that otherwise would not be available. For Sheriff’s Office employees, the positive interactions and relationships make the day even more special.
Funds for Shop for Kids are raised through donations and charity events throughout the year, including an intra-agency softball tournament and a golf outing. Members of the agency volunteer their time and no tax dollars are used for the program. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to Shop for Kids, 18100 Cumberland Road, Noblesville, IN 46060. A special thanks to Target employees for their participation in the day’s events.