- November 7, 2024
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Christmas often missed Retired Flagler County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Larry Jones in his childhood years. Not wanting the county's underprivileged children to experience the same Christmas he endured, Jones initiated his Christmas with a Deputy program, which was held on Friday, Dec. 16, at Super Target.
"When I first started the program, it was only 11 kids; now we're at 114," Jones said. "To keep the kids out of the system, I'd rather give them something than they go and steal anything. The best we can do is try to make sure every kid has a gift on Christmas."
The officers — from Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Highway Patrol — picked up the kids from their houses and took them to Target. Each kid was given a $150 gift card to purchase gifts. Before they entered the store, they all rode in an extended convoy in front of Target, yelling Merry Christmas on the patrol cars' intercom systems as the lights flashed and sirens sounded.
"It brings tears to my eyes every year to see an event like this," Jones added. "I wish there was something like this, when I was a kid. Thanks to God."