A group of 29 teenagers in Palatka, Florida, received a special holiday experience through the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office’s seventh annual Shop with a Deputy program. Held on March 15, 2024, at Walmart, the event paired local teens with law enforcement officials to provide them with a meaningful holiday shopping spree.
Each participant was given a budget of $250 to spend, aiming not only to meet immediate needs but also to foster trust and build relationships with law enforcement. The program, which targets teens identified through the Putnam County School District and the sheriff’s victim advocacy unit, has become a cornerstone of community support.
Building Trust Through Holiday Spirit
Allison Waters-Merritt, the public information officer for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, noted the significant growth of the program this year, facilitated by sponsorship from the 10-24 Foundation. This local nonprofit helps law enforcement employees and their families during challenging times. “This was our biggest year yet,” she stated, highlighting the foundation’s support in expanding the program and allowing for community donations.
Sheriff Gator DeLoach, who also chairs the 10-24 Foundation, emphasized the emotional impact of the event for both deputies and the teens involved. He explained that many young people may harbor negative feelings toward law enforcement due to past encounters. “We hope to provide them with a new outlook on law enforcement,” DeLoach said, reinforcing the initiative’s goal of rebuilding trust within the community.
The shopping experience began at the sheriff’s office, where deputies and teens paired up before traveling to Walmart in patrol vehicles, lights and sirens activated. Each deputy accompanied two teens, granting them the freedom to choose their purchases without judgment. Waters-Merritt remarked, “We want them to be kids and experience a normal Christmas.”
For some, this meant shopping for personal items, while others opted for gifts for siblings or family members. One teen even purchased laundry detergent, illustrating the diverse needs of those involved.
Community Support and Lasting Impact
After their shopping spree, participants enjoyed a pizza lunch, further fostering a sense of community. Waters-Merritt expressed gratitude for Walmart employees, who played an integral role in the event by raising funds and providing assistance during shopping. They also facilitated visits from characters like Santa and the Grinch, adding a festive spirit to the day.
The 10-24 Foundation was established after Deputy Randy Hayes was injured in the line of duty. Now a lieutenant overseeing school resource deputies, Hayes participated in this year’s event, recalling the profound significance of connecting with the youth. “A lot of these kids don’t have a whole lot to look forward to,” he said, emphasizing the joy the program brings them.
Hayes highlighted the importance of positive interactions with law enforcement, particularly for young people who may only encounter deputies during stressful situations. He believes that programs like Shop with a Deputy allow for relaxed, one-on-one interactions, helping to humanize law enforcement figures.
Total spending for this year’s event was estimated at approximately $8,000, with additional donations received throughout the day. Waters-Merritt noted that deputies eagerly volunteer each year, drawn by the emotional rewards of the experience. “It’s such a positive experience,” she said, reflecting on the program’s enduring impact.
The Shop with a Deputy initiative not only provides immediate assistance but also aims to pave the way for long-term relationships between law enforcement and the community, ensuring that these teenagers feel supported and valued.
