Spread the Joy: Laurens County Prepares for Christmas for Kids Initiative
As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season approaches, the small yet vibrant community of Laurens County, South Carolina is gearing up for a heartwarming tradition that brings joy to many families. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce their annual “Christmas for Kids” initiative, which aims to ensure that every child in the area can wake up on Christmas morning to the delightful surprise of gifts waiting for them under the tree.
Get Ready to Give!
Starting this Tuesday, the familiar sight of collection boxes will begin popping up at Dollar General stores around Laurens County. These boxes will be ready and waiting to receive donations of all kinds—be it toys, clothing, or essential personal care items. The collected items will then be distributed to families who could use a helping hand this holiday season. “It’s just so important to us that each child wakes up with something on Christmas morning,” shares Courtney Snow, the Community Services Coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office. She added, “I cannot imagine one single child in Laurens County waking up and having nothing, and unfortunately that is the story for a lot of people here in Laurens County. We’ve been able to help them throughout the years and make sure that that doesn’t happen.”
What’s on the Wish List?
With the holiday spirit in the air, it’s vital to know what items are most in demand this year. According to Snow, some of the top requested items for children include fun and interactive options like craft kits, board games, mini brands toys, Legos, action figures, hot wheels cars and tracks, as well as beloved classics like Barbies and baby dolls. Sports items like balls and bats are also on the list, helping to keep the kids active and engaged.
Beyond toys, the sheriff’s office also welcomes personal care products such as brushes, deodorant, shampoo, and hair accessories, which are just as important for the children’s well-being. “Every little bit helps,” Snow emphasizes.
A Community Effort
Last year alone, the initiative successfully served 300 kids, and Snow believes that with the support of the community, they can reach even more families this time around. A heartwarming part of the program is witnessing connections formed over the years. “We’ve built a lot of connections,” Snow recalls. “There are people who still remember us from five or six years ago and thank us for what we did. Sometimes they even bring us toys, or they are able to adopt a family to buy for. It’s full circle.”
Applying for Help
If you or someone you know needs assistance, applying for the Christmas for Kids program is straightforward, though it does require some necessary steps. Applications must be submitted by November 29 to give the sheriff’s office enough time to process requests and organize all the gifts. Snow explains, “It’s a process. We go through the application with a fine-tooth comb. Our interview process is pretty stringent. We take a lot of things into consideration.” While it may not be an easy application process, those truly in need will find the effort worthwhile.
How to Get Involved
If you’d like to apply for assistance or even consider becoming a sponsor for this wonderful initiative, feel free to stop by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office during business hours or give Courtney Snow a call at (864) 681-4509. This holiday season, let’s come together as a community and ensure that no child in Laurens County has to wake up without a gift. It’s the season of giving, and every little bit helps make the holidays a little brighter for everyone!
