Christmas is a time of joy and celebration as families gather around the tree, but for some families the holidays can be a difficult time as they struggle to make ends meet.
As a way of giving back to the community, the Carter County Sheriff’s Office is adopting three local families in need to help provide them with an enjoyable Christmas.
Carter County Sheriff Dexter Lunceford gives all the credit for the event to his employees, whom he said came up with the idea.
“They just wanted to help out,” he said.
The idea started with Sheriff’s Office employees who work in the Carter County Detention Center.
“We wanted to do something from the department for children in the community,” said Sheriff’s Office employee Kristie Bowling. “We just don’t want kids to not have something under the tree to open on Christmas morning.”
While there are several organizations across the region that help families in need at Christmas, Bowling said sometimes families fall through the cracks or are too embarrassed to ask for help. So the Sheriff’s Office looked for three families in the local community who are in need, Bowling said.
To help raise money to purchase items for the three families, the Sheriff’s Office employees will be hosting a baked goods and crafts sale on Saturday, Dec. 3, (the day of the Christmas Parade) beginning at 3 p.m. in the parking lot of First Baptist Church. The church will be serving hot chocolate during the sale.
Bowling said several talented bakers have already pledged to donate goodies, including Shonna Peters, owner of Sugar Love Bakery & Cafe. “When we asked her she didn’t even hesitate, she said ‘Of course I’ll help,’” Bowing said of Peters.
All of the proceeds will go to assist the three families by purchasing clothing and toys for the children, Bowling said.
“We’re going to talk to some of the grocery stores to see if they would donate a prepared meal for the families or give us a discount on the food,” Bowling said.
The Sheriff’s Office is still looking for individuals to donate items for the baked goods and crafts sale or to make a cash donation to purchase needed items.
“Any donations people can make will be greatly appreciated,” Bowling said.
Anyone interested in donating to the cause can contact Sheriff’s Office employees Kristie Bowling at 423-542-1894 or Christina Hensley at 423-542-8719.