Mocobizscene- The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of devoted community members, brought joy to numerous families in the area by providing them with Christmas presents.
A dedicated group of volunteers organized and collected toys at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, where cars lined up to pick them up on Monday.
The Santa Wears A Badge program, initiated by Records Clerk Connie Bosarge in 2014, has been running for over a decade. This program enables parents to apply in advance, depending on their needs. To qualify, families must have children between the ages of newborn and 12.
“We began our first year by assisting around seventy-five families, which resulted in aiding approximately two-hundred children. However, this year, we have already provided support to over 200 families, and there are still more than 100 families awaiting our assistance,” Bosarge revealed.
When Bosarge first started, he never imagined that it would grow to be what it is today, with just a few helpers by his side.
“I’m amazed at how much it has grown,” she expressed. “Having been on the other side, I understand the sentiments and requirements of the community.”
The coordinator of the Santa Wears a Badge program attributes its growth to the collaborative efforts of local businesses, friends, and family.
Maegan Dearmon, a volunteer and relative of Bosarge, expresses how this experience has been incredibly humbling for her.
“It brings me immense joy to give back to the kids who don’t have as much as others during Christmas. When I was younger, we experienced tough times during the holiday season. So, being able to help those children now makes me feel truly grateful,” Dearmon explains with a heartfelt sentiment.
Justice Ashley, a first-time participant, echoes these feelings.
“I feel like it’s finally a positive thing that I am able to give back everything I have received in my life. It brings me great joy to be able to give back to children who are less fortunate and cannot have the same opportunities,” Ashley expresses with satisfaction.
The volunteers are hopeful that they will have a bigger impact on the community in the years to come. On Wednesday at 10 a.m., the Jackson County Fairgrounds will host the Santa Wears a Badge program, where all first responders can collect toys for their families.
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