This past Christmas was a little merrier for kids in our community, thanks to the Will County Sheriff ’s Department. For 20 years, deputies have teamed up with MorningStar Mission to take 50 boys and girls Christmas shopping.

The annual Shop with a Sheriff event takes place on the first Saturday of December at the New Lenox Walmart. Each child is assigned his or her own deputy to shop with, and given a donated $100 gift certificate to buy presents for their families and other loved ones. They come back to the Mission for lunch and to wrap their gifts with help from volunteers before returning home.

Correctional Deputy Erin Vascik has been involved with the program since she joined the force 18 years ago. She says, “I feel like I get way more out of it than the kids do. Every year, something humbles me.”

The children are encouraged to choose something special for themselves, as these may be the only gifts they get. Erin relates that one seven-year-old boy wanted nothing more for himself than Goldfish crackers and Hawaiian Punch because he never got that at home.

“I know this experience touches the kids,” Erin says.

“The holidays can be a rough time for them, so we give them an opportunity to shine.”