Dougherty Co. Sheriff Kevin Sproul holds annual “Shop With the Sheriff”

ALBANY, Ga. – “Shop With the Sheriff,” a long standing tradition for Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, and for Sheriff Sproul, it’s the biggest time of the year to impact young lives.

To Sheriff Sproul, “Shop With the Sheriff” has been his favorite day of the year for decades.

“It means the world to me. This is my favorite day of the year. We’ve done this now for about 24 years. And to see these kids and the excitement they have today; some buying their own toys, some buying gifts for their family members. It’s just the best feeling of the day for me all year long,” said Sheriff Kevin Sproul, Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office.

And, over the course of the last few years, local restaurant, Tokyo has added on to the celebration, helping the Sheriff’s Office give these kids a nice meal.

“I think being a community here, I think this time of the year, we should have some type of community. You don’t have to do a whole lot, but you have to be a part of a community. I think everybody should pitch in and help our community,” said Han Kim, Owner, Tokyo Hibachi.

As deputies helped the kids find their ideal holiday presents, the kids are showing more about their own character.

With Sheriff Sproul saying that many are trying to give back to their own families.

“You’ll see some of these kids and listen to who they’re buying for, they’re not buying for themselves. They’re buying for their sisters, their brothers, their aunties, their uncles. It’s amazing to see. One little girl just bought her dog a dog pad to lay in. That’s how they think, it’s not all selfishness,” said Sheriff Sproul.

And, with Christmas less than a week away, it’s another year in which the Sheriff’s Office is able to make the holiday for a group of children.

“You know, I look at it this way: God gave his son, Jesus to us. The least we can do is give something back to the kids we’re working with. So, we give ’em love, we show ’em the love, and how much we appreciate them, and we encourage them and try to build them up…” said Sheriff Sproul.

While next holiday season will unfortunately be the last for Sheriff Sproul who will be retiring, he’s soaking in the moment this year, and making a difference for the kids.

Proceeds for “Shop With the Sheriff” were made possible through the Sheriff’s Office Golf Tournament back in October.

Brian Roche reporting.

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