(News Release) – The Platte County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for their 22nd annual “Shop With A Deputy” program.

The event will take place Dec. 3. The Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with a local Wal-Mart to bring holiday joy and cheer to 30 children and their families. Each child is allowed to spend $200.00 dollars. Of the $200.00 each child must spend at least $140.00 on clothing (underwear, socks, jeans, shoes, coats, etc.) with the balance of the money being spent on toys, small gifts for family members, or more clothing if they want or need it. Sheriff Owen states, “With the prosperity in Platte County, who would think there would be underprivileged children living in our County? This is a meaningful and wonderful program to take part in, for many of the children this is the only Christmas they will have. Not only are the Deputies involved, there are Sheriff’s Office employees from every unit who also volunteer their time to help these children.”

The “Shop With A Deputy” program started in 1995. Deputies and Department personnel have taken over 636 children Christmas shopping. The program is funded by donations from individuals, businesses, organizations and when all else failed, the department employees have paid for some of the items themselves. Sheriff Owen says, “It is a very positive experience for not only the children that are involved but also for the deputies. We all love working with the children and being able to see that we can make a difference in a child’s life. You never forget the smiles that light up the children’s faces.” If you would like to help with this program, please send your donations to:

Platte County Sheriff’s Office
Shop With A Deputy Program
C/O Captain Chad Phillips
415 3rd Street, Suite 10
Platte City, MO 64079

Or you can deliver your donation to the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.