By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

On Saturday, Dec. 14, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented the second annual Shop with a Sheriff event at the Oneida Walmart.

Co-sponsored by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Criminal and Correction Divisions and the Oneida Walmart, the program provided around 30 elementary school students from across the county with the opportunity to go on a holiday shopping spree with members of the sheriff’s office.

The participants — who are all from families in need — had the chance to wander the store and pick out up to $150 worth of presents.

“The children come with lists of gifts they want to get the members of their families,” said Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood. “This year we even had to convince one little girl after she was done shopping for every member of her family, that it was OK to pick out one special present for herself. These children have such big hearts and to see the smiles on their faces and hear their laughter as they shop around Walmart is truly what the holiday season is all about.”

The festive event also featured snacks and an appearance by Santa.

The sheriff’s office worked with elementary schools across the county to identify children to take part in the event.

Three students from each elementary school (except the City of Oneida) were invited to participate.

The Oneida Police Department presented a similar event earlier this month.

A few of the invited participants were unable to attend the event.

“The sheriff’s office is reaching out to the parents of kids that did not make it, to set up something for them,” said Madison County Public Information Officer Samantha Field.

According to Field, 28 uniformed personnel, ail and road staff, and 44 family members facilitated the event.

“Shop with a Sheriff is a great program where our deputies get a chance to connect with children and families across the county,” Hood said. “It is important to show these kids that the deputies are their friends and are there to help. The experience is so rewarding for our deputies and volunteers.”

The program was funded with contributions from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office’s No-Shave Fundraiser, along with a $1,500 grant from Walmart.

The No-Shave Fundraiser allows the county’s jail staff and road patrol deputies to grow facial hair if they make a donation each month.

“They have to pay for the privilege to grow a beard, and all that money goes into a fund,” explained Hood.

Additional support was offered by The Grand Nursing Home, which provided gift-wrapping.

To learn more about the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, visit madisoncounty.ny.gov or call 315-366-2318.