Shop with a Sheriff a success despite pandemic
(Submitted Photo)
CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango County Law Enforcement Association had to get creative with this year’s Shop With A Sheriff event, but were still able to help more than 20 kids around the holidays.
According to Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Detective Chad O’Hara, as always the program was made possible thanks to the community along with the Chenango County Law Enforcement Association and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Employees Association. The two unions represent the employees from the local road patrol, correction and civil departments at the sheriff’s office.
O’Hara said this year was especially difficult due to COVID-19, but that they were able to make it happen by having much smaller groups purchasing gifts at the same time.
“We just had to brainstorm to figure out the best way to make it safe for everyone involved,” he said. “We created small groups for more than 20 kids and a couple of families to make it happen.”
“There were also some emergency families and we delivered gifts to several places as well.”
O’Hara said the final family was helped in late December, and each recipient received $125 to spend on themselves and $75 on their family. He said it wasn’t uncommon for children to spend some of the money designated for them on their families as well.
“There were a lot of kids that looked forward to the event, and some families needed it,” he added. “It’s a great family event that propels everyone into the Christmas spirit.”
“It also helps show kids that we’re not just a uniform, that there are people under them.”
According to O’Hara, there were some kids that were very nervous about going with the police, but once after spending time with them they had a great time.
O’Hara said numerous sheriff’s office employees including deputies, detectives, sergeants, and lieutenants volunteered their time after work to help make the event happen.
“We’re planning on doing the event again this year, depending on what happens with the coronavirus,” he said. “To fit the situation this system worked out the best, but it was more time consuming.”
He added that in addition to the gift purchasing portion of holiday giving, the sheriff’s office also gave out gift cards from local businesses throughout December as well.
“Deputies were given numerous gift cards to give out to individuals they met on the road,” said O’Hara. “The gift cards were purchased from local businesses, and were anywhere from $15 to $25.”
He said giving out the gift cards was a way to thank people for positive interactions with police and spread good will. He added that all cards distributed were tracked through calls to the dispatch center.
According to Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Detective Chad O’Hara, as always the program was made possible thanks to the community along with the Chenango County Law Enforcement Association and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Employees Association. The two unions represent the employees from the local road patrol, correction and civil departments at the sheriff’s office.
O’Hara said this year was especially difficult due to COVID-19, but that they were able to make it happen by having much smaller groups purchasing gifts at the same time.
“We just had to brainstorm to figure out the best way to make it safe for everyone involved,” he said. “We created small groups for more than 20 kids and a couple of families to make it happen.”
“There were also some emergency families and we delivered gifts to several places as well.”
O’Hara said the final family was helped in late December, and each recipient received $125 to spend on themselves and $75 on their family. He said it wasn’t uncommon for children to spend some of the money designated for them on their families as well.
“There were a lot of kids that looked forward to the event, and some families needed it,” he added. “It’s a great family event that propels everyone into the Christmas spirit.”
“It also helps show kids that we’re not just a uniform, that there are people under them.”
According to O’Hara, there were some kids that were very nervous about going with the police, but once after spending time with them they had a great time.
O’Hara said numerous sheriff’s office employees including deputies, detectives, sergeants, and lieutenants volunteered their time after work to help make the event happen.
“We’re planning on doing the event again this year, depending on what happens with the coronavirus,” he said. “To fit the situation this system worked out the best, but it was more time consuming.”
He added that in addition to the gift purchasing portion of holiday giving, the sheriff’s office also gave out gift cards from local businesses throughout December as well.
“Deputies were given numerous gift cards to give out to individuals they met on the road,” said O’Hara. “The gift cards were purchased from local businesses, and were anywhere from $15 to $25.”
He said giving out the gift cards was a way to thank people for positive interactions with police and spread good will. He added that all cards distributed were tracked through calls to the dispatch center.
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