Dade Sheriff Ray Cross and his staff handed out Hope for the Holidays toys on Saturday. The children enjoyed getting a picture with Santa and making Christmas cookies while Sheriff Ray Cross and Chief Deputy Tommy Bradford loaded parents’ cars.
Sheriff Cross and his office want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who donated money or toys. We were able to help over 100 kids this year! Sheriff Ray Cross wants every church, family, individual, school and business that donated to know how much your generosity is greatly appreciated! Also, we appreciate our volunteers for taking the time out to make sure this event is always a success!
--Mary Ann Bradford
(Photos: Back row from left, Carolyn Bradford, Carolyn Bradford Lane, Tommy Bradford, Rebecca Hill, Mary Ann Bradford. In front, Santa Claus and Sheriff Ray Cross. Right Photo: Our sweet cookie maker, Belinda Pierce.)
Many of the gifts for the sheriff's holiday drive were collected by students at Dade Elementary School. Sgt. Chad Payne, information officer for the Dade Sheriff's Office, turned in this report about that.
On Thursday, Dec. 14, Sheriff Ray Cross and his deputies were at Dade Elementary School, receiving donations from students for our "Hope For The Holidays" program. Students at Dade Elementary donated over 200 gifts to needy families in our area. We were joined by Dade County Superintendent Dr Jan Harris, Dade County School Board member Carolyn Bradford, DES counselor Tinena Bice, and principal Tracy Blevins. Sheriff Cross wants everyone at Dade Elementary to know how grateful we are for their generosity and giving hearts.
While the Sheriff and his deputies were collecting gift donations, a kindergartener named Landyn Barton approached Sheriff Cross, carrying a gallon Ziploc bag full of cash and change and handed it over with a smile. Principal Tracy told the sheriff that little Landyn had been selling candy canes and cookies to anyone who would buy one to raise money to help other little children in our area.
After the bag of money was added up, the donation from Landyn's venture was a little over $170. This little boy's act of kindness went a long way in helping buy presents for area youngsters who otherwise may not have had much of a Christmas this year. Sheriff Cross was humbled at the giving spirit of this young man.
With the events that have transpired in our community over the last year, it's acts of kindness like this that make Dade County the best place to live.
From Sheriff Cross, and all of us here at the Dade County Sheriff's Office, we want to give a big thank you to Landyn Barton and his family. Also, we want to give a big thanks to the Dade County School System for teaching their students about generosity and giving.
--Sgt. Chade Payne
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