ROCKINGHAM — Thirty-two children got to pick out their own presents Saturday with help from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies, detectives and other RCSO staffers who volunteered their time were paired up with kids as they walked around Walmart for the annual Shop with a Deputy program.
Many of the younger shoppers opted for toys like dolls and action figures, while the older kids preferred electronics.
A boy paired with Deputy Marcus Norris (who started a new role as a detective on Monday) was the only one to pick a bicycle, and also bought a soccer ball.
Norris said it was nice to see a kid wanting to be outdoors.
In addition to the $200 spending limit, each child was given a pillow, pair of gloves, a $50 food box and a Dairy Queen gift card.
The RCSO also gave out several toys and pillows to walk-ups who weren’t part of this year’s program.
Shop with a Deputy, now in its fourth year, was started in 2020 under late sheriff James Clemmons.
Funding includes money from deputies’ participation in the no-shave program and donations from the business community.
RCSO, the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office and both the Rockingham and Laurinburg police departments each received $5,400 this year from the annual Back the Blue Ride. This year’s ride raised $17,000.
A recent local wrestling show also donated proceeds to the program.
See more photos below.
