- May 15, 2024
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Dylan Gray is along for the ride with Flagler County Sheriff's Office Deputy Manny Sa. Photos by Anastasia Pagello
Santa and Sheriff Jim Manfre among the jostling crowd of excited kids and deputies.
Over 100 Flagler County law enforcement officer's with over 100 children gather at Target in Palm Coast to celebrate the joy of gift giving.
All control over the lights and sirens were handed over to the kids as they cruised through the Target parking lot.
Arianna Rogers, age 6, gets herself a musical book.
Makii Clark has a hard time deciding which toy he would like with Deputy Sam Bell.
Sisters T'Niah and T'Nijah Spearman excitedly shop together for the holidays.
Detective Liz Williams helps Faith Tier find a comfortable winter boot.
Deputy Chris Alecrim helps Arianna Rodriguez find the perfect for her mother.
The 7th-annual Christmas with a Deputy was another success on Friday, Dec. 18. Eighty police vehicles carrying over 100 Flagler County law enforcement officers and 101 kids pulled into the Target parking lot with lights flashing and sirens blaring.
“We let the kids have complete control over the lights, sirens and loud speakers,” Deputy Scott Jackson said. “Maybe next year we will let them drive,” Jackson joked.
“It is so exhilarating watching the whole community, and all of Flagler County’s law enforcement, come together for these children; I am so happy to be a part of it.” Detective Liz Williams, Flagler Beach Police Department
The kids were treated to a full evening of activities. Each received a bag full of goodies, a personalized Santa hat, and $150 worth of merchandise at the local Target to get gifts for themselves and their loved ones.
Each child was paired up with a deputy and were given the opportunity to browse the store in search of the perfect gift.
“These are for my mom,” Said Arianna Rodriguez, age 6, as she hefted a size 7, strappy, high heel into the shopping cart. “Well that is not exactly a work shoe, but I am sure your mother will love it anyway,” Said Deputy Chris Alecrim, while trying to be helpful.
Funds are raised for the underprivileged children through community and law enforcement officer’s donations. ““I grew up in the community poor and knew what it was like not to have much, if anything at Christmas,” Retired Sargent Larry Jones said, founder of the event. “Once I had a job making decent money, I decided to give back to the community.”
“This event couldn’t have come at a better time for us,” Elizabeth Van Leer said, a grateful mother of two. “This is all they have, and unfortunately without this they wouldn’t have had a Christmas experience this year.”
