Henry County Children Enjoy Festive Shopping Spree wiht Local Law enforcement
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Over 200 children from Henry County experienced a heartwarming Christmas event on December 12, 2023, enjoying a $100 shopping spree at Walmart, escorted by officers from local law enforcement agencies and community volunteers. Teh event, organized by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 17, aimed to bring holiday cheer to children in need. https://www.wpsmradio.com/2023/12/13/henry-county-children-enjoy-shopping-spree-with-law-enforcement/
A day of Giving and Community Spirit
The children, gathered from Paris Elementary School, were accompanied by police officers and volunteers as they shopped for Christmas presents. A special guest appearance by The Grinch added to the festive atmosphere. Following the shopping spree, the children returned to Paris Elementary, where they received a stuffed animal, a bag of goodies, and a breakfast sandwich.
“Henry County has done it again by providing generous donations allowing us to help the children of henry County have a merry Christmas,” said Chuck Elizondo, retired Paris Police chief and current president of the FOP Lodge 17. “We are blessed to have over a hundred volunteers come together and help two hundred children.”
Collaborative Effort: Organizations involved
The success of the event was a testament to the collaborative spirit of numerous organizations within Henry County. These included:
* Law Enforcement: The FOP Lodge 17,Paris Police Department (led by Police Chief Ricky Watson),Henry County Sheriff’s Department (led by Sheriff Josh Frey),Dyersburg State Community College police officers,Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security,and the Tennessee Bureau of Inquiry.
* Educational Institutions: Henry County High School teachers Brian welp and Diane McCord, along with their DECA and criminal justice students, and guidance counselors from Harrelson, Henry, and Lakewood schools.
* Community & Support Services: School resource officers from local schools, First Baptist Church Paris, Henry County 911, Henry County Carl Perkins Centre, Henry County UT Extension, and Henry County Rescue Squad.
* Local Businesses: Walmart,which supplied the goody bags,and McDonald’s,which provided the breakfast sandwiches.
Key Takeaways
* Community Support: The event highlighted the strong community support within Henry County for its youth.
* Law Enforcement Engagement: Local law enforcement agencies actively participated in creating a positive experience for children during the holiday season.
* Generous Donations: The event was made possible through generous donations from individuals and organizations within the county.
* Positive impact: The shopping spree provided children with the possibility to experience the joy of giving and receiving during Christmas.
This annual event continues to demonstrate the commitment of Henry County to supporting its children and fostering a strong sense of community. Organizers are already looking forward to continuing this tradition and expanding its reach in the years to come.
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