07/December/2019 – Shop with Santa’s Heroes

Starting at 06:30, nine members of Fire-Rescue participated with over twenty-five other emergency responders and Colleton County DSS to bring some Christmas cheer to needy children in Colleton County. The annual event is hosted by the Walterboro Police Department who coordinates the collection of donations to purchase the gifts for the children. WPD Officers Amye Stivender and Linsey Ament set up the event. This year Walterboro Police, County Fire-Rescue, Walterboro Fire Dept., SC Highway Patrol, DNR, the Sheriff’s Office, including some jail staff, Cottageville PD and DSS participated. Thirty four children were selected by DSS this year. Each child was allowed to pick a responder and ride with their escort in an emergency vehicle from the City parking lot next to the Courthouse to Wal-Mart. The children were permitted to operate the emergency equipment during their early morning 2-1/2 mile response to Wal-Mart. Santa was also present to accompany the kids on the shopping spree. Each child was provided with a gift card worth approx. $200 to purchase what they chose. After completing the exhausting shopping spree, everyone met at Burger King where Cook Enterprises provided breakfast for the entire group. It was a rewarding event, with many happy children to help bring in the holiday spirit.