Signups extended until Wednesday to get on list of families in need

Great news from the Sheriffs Office this week, as they got a huge donation this year to make the holidays bright for local youth.

The American Legion Post 86 along with the Sons of American Legion, the Players Club, S.A.L., Bar Friends and the Ladies Auxiliary all came together to provide the Polk County Sheriffs Office with one of the biggest donations they’ve ever received in the history of their campaign to provide children with Christmas gifts during December.

The American Legion brought over a check on Monday worth $17,594, several thousands of dollars more than the check they brought last year that was also a record-breaker according to Sheriff Johnny Moats. Their check last year of more than $13,000 was the previous record-holding donation, the Sheriff added.

Moats said he was thankful to the organization, which is one of the large contributors annually to the fund used to purchase gifts and donate them out to children in the community.

“We’ve had a lot of people who have been generous with us this year,” he said. “Several folks have given upward of $500.” Moats wasn’t expecting this much, and it will make a difference.

Even with a stockpile of donated toys that were collected from boxes setup around the community, the Sheriffs Office will still have to purchase some of the items that aren’t already available. He said the money will go toward purchases of additional gifts, and will rollover to whatever is left for next year and many more to come.

The Sheriffs Office is continuing to take monetary donations amid their annual holiday campaign to help, and will take funds from anyone who wishes to donate after the holiday season is over or throughout the year. His goal is to get up to six figures one day in the account, so as to never have to worry about running out of money to help families in need during the holidays.

“My goal is to build up the fund as big as we can get it, because we know the time will come when folks can’t help as much as they have been able to now and in the past,” Moats said.

The American Legion aren’t the only ones giving back. The Sheriffs Office also highlighted two younger local residents who saved up around $100 to purchase boys and girls gifts. BriLeie and Jess (no last names mentioned) brought in five gifts last week to the Sheriffs Office as part of the campaign.

Christina Garrett with the Polk School District was also among big donors of toys this year, bringing a trunkload over to the Sheriffs Office this year as well. Others in the District like the College and Career Academy also made contributions as well.

The Sheriffs Office has been busy this afternoon as Santa’s elves are at the North Pole this time of year, gathering up items on wishlists and bagging them to be collected by families in the coming days. Moats said several of his employees volunteer annually to help with the project by getting them ready for families.

Those who want help making sure their kids have a happy holiday season on Christmas Day can still sign up to receive toy donations from the Sheriff’s Office. Visit their Facebook page for more information on how to take part.

Take part in our 12 Days of Christmas coverage and suggest a story or event you have going on this holiday season before time runs out! Email kevin@polk.today and share your news!