Shop with a Sheriff Helps 71 Weakley County Children

As December 25 approaches, many children are left without on Christmas Day, but thanks to local law enforcement agencies, Weakley County children will have a better Christmas this year.

On Tuesday, December 10, law enforcement agencies in Weakley County were able to help 71 Weakley County children have a better Christmas. Each child was given $180 to pick out whatever they wanted. The program started eight years ago with only one family at the sheriff’s department but this is the 7th year with the golf tournament and Walmart combined.

Special Agent with Department of Homeland Security Eric Smith, author of Sheriff Smith and Justice Investigate the Bedroom Monster, worked with local law enforcement agencies and others to make Christmas a little bit brighter for area children who might not otherwise have anything for Christmas.

Smith started the program with his children’s book and previously stated that throughout his time in law enforcement he has seen how children’s eyes light up when they see an officer in uniform. Smith stated that children want to know who they are and what they do but they lose that as they get older and Smith doesn’t want children to fear officers and that’s why the book was created.

Smith created characters to help children be comfortable with officers and conquer childhood fears. The book can be ordered from Walmart or on Amazon. Smith stated that if anyone needs help finding a copy of the book, they can contact him at sherriffsmithandjustice@gmail.com.

Money for the shopping spree comes from local fundraising events through the “Shop with Sheriff Smith and Justice” program, which provides toys and clothing to deserving youngsters via a golf tournament held at Persimmon Hills Golf Course in Weakley County each year. Smith said that about 80% of the funds received come from that tournament.

Volunteers from the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department; along with officers from the police departments in Dresden, Gleason, Greenfield, Martin and Sharon; Weakley County Department of Children’s Services; Weakley County Circuit Court Clerk Office; and other family and friends also support the program.

The Weakley County School System and the DCS supplied the names of the children.

“It’s something we look forward to every year,” Smith said. “We all really enjoy it.”

“I want to thank all of the law enforcement officers, officer's spouses, and volunteers that helped tonight. Almost every Weakley County agency was represented and we needed everyone! I also want to thank all of the citizens and businesses that donated to help make this possible. This was our biggest spending year so far,” Smith stated.

“I also want to thank the Martin Walmart, the Department of Children Services, the Color Shop for donating blankets, and the Sandhill Church in Gleason for the food,” Smith said.