Local First Responders gathered Saturday morning 14-December to escort 14 community children on a Christmas excursion. The annual "Shop with Santa's Heroes" event is sponsored by the Walterboro Police Dept. Local Responders from Fire-Rescue, Walterboro Police Dept., Colleton County Sheriff's Office, SLED, SC DNR, Walterboro Fire Dept. and Colleton County DSS assembled at the Wildlife Center parking lot at 06:30. The children had been selected by DSS to participate. Businesses and individuals donate funds each year to make the event a success and bring a brighter Christmas to local children. Each child was allowed to pick a responder and ride with their escort in an emergency vehicle three miles to Wal-Mart. The children were permitted to operate the emergency equipment on the vehicles during their early morning response to Wal-Mart. Santa's sleigh was being prepared for the big Christmas delivery trip in a few weeks, so CARE Flight stepped in and flew Santa to the parking lot. He met with the children and then helped them select gifts. Each child was provided with a gift card to purchase what they chose. After completing the exhausting shopping spree, everyone met at Burger King where they were provided breakfast. It was a rewarding event, with many smiles and happy children to help bring in this year's holiday cheer.
