We are grateful to outside sponsors who donate products and money to help with this cause. They include:
WalMart
Sam's Club
Bernardo's Pizza
Doldo Brothers Distributors
AAMCO Transmissions
Watertown Wizards
Pepsi
"As fun as it is for the kids, it's more fun for the cops." (John Burns)
Since the program was started in 2003, Deputy Sheriffs, Corrections Officers, Civil Enforcement Officers, Dispatchers, and court security staff have volunteered time out of their holiday schedules to help underpriviledged children in the county have a better Christmas. Children go shopping with a "cop" to buy Christmas gifts for their families, as well as for themselves.
When the children arrive at the County Safety Building, Santa Claus introduces each child to their "cop". Children are then taken to WalMart in Sheriff, police, and fire vehicles, with red lights and sirens. Upon arrival, children are treated to a snack, receive a surprise package, get their pictures taken with Santa, and then go shopping. Finally, they all return to the Public Safety Building for a pizza party. The number of children involved in this service has grown to 30.
New volunteer agencies have joined the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department in helping with this cause, including the Clayton, Sacketts Harbor, Carthage, and Watertown Police Departments, as well as the Probation Department, the Town of Watertown Fire Department, and County Dog Control.Sheriff