Thanksgiving is a time for counting blessings and gearing up for Christmas presents. But for many Rutherford County children, the holiday season is just a dream. Because of the financial crunch, many families can’t afford to buy presents.
That’s why Sheriff Robert F. Arnold started the national Shop with a Cop program for about 20 to 25 school students up to age 13.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office will raise funds to pay for a Dec. 3 shopping trip to Kmart, the national sponsor, said Deputy Jim Noe, the crime prevention coordinator. A deputy will coordinate each child who will select their own Christmas presents.
“We’d like them to shop for themselves but they may want to get something for their parents,” Noe said.
To raise funds for the Christmas gifts, Sheriff Arnold, school resource officers and other deputies will serve customers and wait tables from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22 at Toot’s at the South Church Street restaurant. Donations from diners will help fund the shopping trips.
“We appreciate Toot’s partnering with us so children in our community will have a special Christmas,” Arnold said. “We hope citizens will open their hearts and give generously for these children.”
