For the 12th year of the event, there will be two Christmas with a Deputy in Flagler County. The first will be at 5 p.m. this evening, at the Palm Coast Walmart. The second will be on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., with a convoy heading from Town Center to Target. Tonight’s event was made possible with a grant from Walmart, for 75 children.
Next week’s event will include crafts and games kicking off according to custom at the Chiumento, Dwyer, Hertel and Grant law office building. Each participating child will receive gift bags filled with goodies and their very own Santa hat. Then, over 100 law enforcement vehicles with lights and sirens blaring will form a convoy and head to the Palm Coast Target with 125 children for holiday shopping.
From July through December, sheriff’s employees donate to the Christmas with a Deputy fund through payroll deductions. This year the agency raised $19,266.00, a record, exceeding last year;’s haul by more than $2,000. Sheriff Rick Staly presented the check to the Christmas with a Deputy President, Commander Lou Miceli.
Children are selected to participate in the event by nominations from sheriff’s employees and Flagler County School staff. “Every year we look forward to supporting the Christmas with a Deputy program. This is a wonderful way for us to give back and support our community while building positive relationships between children and law enforcement,” Staly said. “I am proud of our employees who donate their time and money to make this event possible for the children of Flagler County.”
In addition to sheriff’s deputies, officers from Florida Highway Patrol, the Bunnell Police Department, the Flagler Beach Police Department, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will participate. Christmas with a Deputy is a non-profit charitable organization. The program is made possible by donations received from the community and the members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
You and your neighbors collectively read our articles about 25,000 times each day (that's not a typo) with up to 65,000 daily reads during emergencies like hurricanes. Flagler County residents rely on FlaglerLive for essential, bold and analytical journalism that cannot be found anywhere else. But we depend on your support. Please join our December fund drive! If you donate the cost of a scoop of ice cream, you will be helping us continue to provide comprehensive local news and honest, serious journalism for our community. If you can donate more or become a monthly donor, even better. Donations are tax deductible since FlaglerLive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit news organization. Donate by clicking anywhere in this box. Think of it as buying a scoop, in every sense of the term!
Limelight says
Funny how Larry Jones is no longer mentioned when he labored so hard year after year to start and keep this program running. Staly sweeps in and grabs the spotlight when the children should be the main concern. Oh ya didn’t Larry also advocate school resource officers in every school way before it was popular. Staly made fun of him for that as well….
Christy Smallwood says
How can i sing my daughter up
Laura says
Brings tears to my eyes. These children are so deserving. Thank you FCSO and all who donate each year.
Mich George says
Thank you Mr Jones. The world needs more great men like you. You deserve to be recognized for your continuous drive— year after year behind this wonderful program for the children in the county every Christmas!!!
LARRY JONES FOR SHERIFF