Sheriff’s deputies sprinkle community with ‘comfort and joy’

By Jenna Wilson

Buchanan County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office deputies gifted presents to seven families during their annual Adopt-A-Family delivery Monday.

The Sheriff’s Office raised $5,000 to disperse to three families and four senior citizens this Christmas, delivering the gifts on Monday, Dec. 23.

For new and incoming deputies riding along for the Adopt-A-Family spree, this was the perfect way to break the ice as an officer and sprinkle a little “comfort and joy” across the city.

“I definitely did not expect this out of my first day,” said Kaitlin Smith with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office. “I came in thinking I was going to do policies and then it was completely spontaneous. This has definitely been the highlight of my entire year so far; seeing the reactions of all the families, the laughs, it was just wonderful.”

Following normal tradition, Sheriff Bill Puett led the group in Christmas carols after dropping off presents at each destination. The Sheriff’s Office says they’re always striving to serve the community year-round, not just during bad circumstances.

“They’re the people we serve and that we promise to protect and uphold the laws for,” said Officer Thomas with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s always good for them to see us and understand that we’re human, too and that’s our main goal in doing this.”

There are still 42 families that need to be adopted from the AFL-CIO of St. Joseph, however, the organization is very close to reaching their goal of getting 100% of adoptees taken care of this Christmas.

For information on how you can participate in the Adopt-A-Family program this Christmas contact the AFL-CIO at 816-364-1131.