SHAWANO, WI- Officers and deputies spent the day outside the store collecting newly purchased toys and monetary donations, with many shoppers stopping by to say hello, offer holiday greetings, and drop off gifts for local children in need. The event has grown into a friendly holiday tradition, one that actually started as a challenge between county courthouse employees and the sheriff’s office several years ago.
“They said they could gather more toys than we could,” Chris Madle of the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department said with a laugh. “So we parked a squad out here, and it’s become a yearly thing.”
Donors had two simple options: purchase toys inside Walmart and add them to the growing pile outside, or offer a cash donation, which deputies will use to shop for additional items. Law enforcement planned to stay outside for most of the day, braving the cold to support the cause.
“People have been incredibly generous,” Madle said. “Some come out with bags of toys, others hand us a donation and tell us to go pick something out. It all goes right back to the kids.”
For those who missed Monday’s event, the Sheriff’s Department has a donation drop box in its lobby for the next week. All collected toys will be distributed to families throughout Shawano County in time for Christmas.
As officers joked with each other, shared laughs with shoppers, and wished passersby a Merry Christmas, the message remained simple: even a small donation can help brighten a child’s holiday.
Comments