Oh, What Fun It Is To Shop With A Sheriff

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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) -- Oh, what fun it is to shop with a deputy! With empty carts and full of anticipation, 100 kids crammed the new Wal-Mart on 2500 West Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale Tuesday to experience the holiday joy of shopping.

Paired with Broward Sheriff Office staff, firefighters and deputies, the kids were given $100 to checkoff their wish list during the annual spree, Shop with a Sheriff.

"The men and women of the Broward Sheriff's Office are committed year-round to serving the people in their communities. Shop with the Sheriff is one of my favorite events and one of the many ways our BSO family gives back to some of our younger residents, thanks to the generosity of the Sheriff's Foundation of Broward," said Broward Sheriff Scott Israel who welcomed the kids at the door as the shopping spree got underway.

For nearly 20 years, BSO's school resource deputy program has coordinated this event. Students, from elementary to high school, were selected from schools in the public safety agency's districts based on several criteria, including their conduct and financial need.

Olanda Batonette, a senior at Boyd Anderson High School, spent some of her money buying gifts for her brothers but she also snagged some running shoes and clothes on her wish list.

"Although the true meaning of Christmas is family, it's nice to do this because some of us don't receive a gift every year," she explained.

Many of the kids also ended up in the electronics and toy department.

Eight year old Chase Benner bought three Lego sets with his $100 while 10-year-old Janiya Duncan bought a camera so she and her friends could take pictures to remember the day.

"It makes you so happy and your Christmas so warm and special," said Kim Andor who works for the Undersheriff.

Local donations make the annual Shop with a Sheriff event possible.