Richmond County Sheriff’s Office takes more than 30 kids Christmas shopping – The Richmond Observer

ROCKINGHAM — More than two dozen children will have a merrier Christmas thanks to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies, jailers and other employees of the sheriff’s office paired up with 30 kids at Walmart on Saturday for the fifth annual Shop with a Deputy event.

Capt. Mike Childers said the participating kids — picked by Richmond County Schools — were each given $225 to spend in the shopping spree.

In addition to toys — including one bicycle — many of the children also picked out new clothes and shoes to wear.

The kids also received a $10 gift card for lunch at a local restaurant and a pillow made by Sandra Sweatt, Childers said.

Walmart Manager Phillip Patterson and his staff “went above and beyond to assist with this event,” Childers said. “They also provided snacks and drinks for the kids.”

Childers said a total of 32 children were involved with the program this year, adding the other two were taken on a previous day.

All funding for this year’s program was donated by local businesses, churches and individual residents, according to Childers.

RCSO and the Rockingham Police Department were two of the recipients of the annual Back the Blue motorcycle ride, which also benefits Christmas shopping programs in Scotland County.

Shop with a Deputy was started in 2020 under late sheriff James Clemmons.

The previous week, several fire departments partnered up for Shop with a Firefighter.

Click here to read more.

The Rockingham Police Department will have its annual Shop with a Cop event on Friday.

Also on Friday, the RCSO will have its first of three community Santa parades in Ellerbe starting at 3 p.m.

These parades are in conjunction with the local rescue and fire departments, and feature Santa being pulled through the community in a trailer, passing out toys at various stops.

The following day, Dec. 21, there will be parades in East Rockingham (noon) and Cordova (2 p.m.)

Click here to see photos from last year’s parade in Ellerbe.
Click here to see photos from last year’s parade in Cordova.