children

The big shopping day for the Surry County Sheriff’s Office “Give a Kid a Christmas” event is Thursday, Dec. 7.The community will begin shopping at the Mount Airy Walmart on Rockford Street at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, for 455 kids. The need this year is great, with fundraising at the lowest it’s been since 2008.”It’s a little disappointing that we haven’t raised the money we normally would,” said Former Surry County Sheriff Graham Atkinson. “But there is still time left. We have several hours, and I think there are probably some big donors out there waiting for that last minute to bail us out.”A tradition since the early 90s, “Give a Kid a Christmas” has grown tremendously throughout the years.”It’s gone from one kid to ten kids to 50 kids to some years, we’ve done as many as 750 kids,” Atkinson said. “So it has continued to grow, and it’s done so because of the support of the community.”It’s something that makes a massive difference, helping Santa pack his sleigh each and every year.”Imagine being a child on Christmas morning knowing there won’t be anything under the tree when you wake up,” Atkinson said. “And your classmates talk about Santa, but you know Santa won’t visit you and you don’t know why.”The effort goes far beyond just toys. The community also provides food and clothing for kids, who otherwise may not have shoes that fit or a coat that keeps them warm.”Just as important as the presents, is the fact that we provide food and clothing for these children,” Atkinson said.The sheriff’s office is calling on as many volunteers as possible to show up tomorrow.”The only problem we have ever had with volunteers, is getting them there the first time,” Atkinson said. “Because once you come out once, you’re going to be calling us the next year asking when the date and time is.”It’s a testament to a community that knows all too well what it means to give.”Surry County is the most giving place,” Atkinson said. “And it’s always such an honor to be part of that and serve in a community where people are willing to step up and help their neighbors. It’s a site to behold and if you haven’t been there, you need to be there to see it.”Volunteers are also needed to pack food boxes this Saturday at 8 a.m. at Surry Central High School.This year, the community will be packing 427 food boxes. That’s the most ever packed.Volunteers with trucks and trailers are also needed to transport toys and food boxes.