Shop w/a Deputy a Big Success

(ALEX RITZ AND DUSTIN LUSTIG)

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Effingham County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 300 held their annual SHOP WITH A DEPUTY program at Walmart on December 19th and it was a big success.

The event is organized and administered by School Resource Officers Deputy Alex Ritz and Deputy Dustin Lustig. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns said of Ritz and Lustig, "They put a lot of work into this event, but the reason we are able to fund the shopping is our many generous sponsors and donors. It is not unusual for individuals to drop off donations to our office, and we receive many donations from area businesses. All donated money is spent on our area children and this is a very popular fundraiser."

This year 57 area children participated and each child could spend up to $200. The children who are chosen for the event are picked by their school teachers and counselors. Each child is paired with a Police Officer or School Official and they must purchase at least one set of clothing and one item for themselves. A rule to purchase at least one item for themselves may seem unnecessary, but children are often most excited about buying for their parents and siblings, and have to be reminded. Officers that act as chaperones often have stories to tell about their experiences with the children that will tug at your heart and remind you of the giving spirit of the season.

The sheriff said, "We would like to thank our many sponsors and donors, Effingham Walmart and Store Manager Mike Kabbes, Dominos Pizza and Subway for the Pizza and Cookies, and everyone who came out to donate their time and effort to help. We would also like to show our appreciation to the parents who made sure their children were there on time, and the children, who behaved so well."