- November 26, 2024
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More than 60 patrol cars with lights and sirens will be traveling through the Town Center shopping area at 6:30 Friday night with some very special youngsters who will be participating in “Christmas With A Deputy.”
Target shoppers should expect to see law enforcement officers crowded into the toy and electronics department as the youngsters shop for holiday gifts for family members.
The event is hosted by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and Target, along with co-sponsors Flagler Beach Police Department, Bunnell Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol.
This is the fifth year for the shopping event, which is designed to assist youngsters whose families are struggling during the economic times.
In 2008, the event was opened to 11 children, and was organized by Sgt. Larry Jones, of the Sheriff’s Office.
“There was a need in the community for this because so many families had been laid off due to the economy,” Jones said. “These were families that were used to having Christmas presents and suddenly found themselves struggling just to put food on the table.”
Today, private donations and support from the Sheriff’s Office’s employees and other law enforcement personnel have allowed the program to expand to serve 100 youngsters.
Each one will receive a $150 gift card to make their purchases.
“The kids love it, and the faces of the deputies just light up when they are shopping with these youngsters,” Jones said.
