Towns County Sheriff’s Office Empty Stocking Christmas Parade

From the desk of Sheriff Chris Clinton:

This year the Sheriff’s Christmas Parade will be Saturday, November 26.  The parade will start at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds and end at Park Sterling Bank in Hiawassee.  Anyone can enter the parade and participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy.  Those who wish may also donate to the Empty Stocking Fund.  The proceeds from the Sheriff’s Empty Stocking fund go directly to benefit underprivileged children in Towns County, children who might not receive Christmas gifts otherwise.   Last year, thanks to all those who donated, we were able to provide gifts for hundreds of Towns County Children.  This year we hope to continue to meet those needs for children who otherwise would not receive Christmas gifts, but we will need your help and continued support.  We have already begun to receive donations for the children, and I would like to thank those who have joined us to help in this effort.  Each year since 2007, I have had the honor to be a part of something that brings joy to the hearts of those who give as well as to the children who receive.  I am thankful to serve such a caring community.

All of this is done in such a manner as to allow the parents to pick up the gifts or, if unable to pick them up due to transportation issues, we will deliver the gifts to the parents.  The idea behind the program is to allow families to celebrate Christmas in their own way.  It is a wonderful program that brings joy to the hearts of many young children each year. I would like to take this opportunity to say a personal thank you to the entire Sheriff’s Office staff and our CLEA volunteers for working so hard each year to ensure that local children and families have a merry Christmas!

If you are interested in helping by participating in the parade, simply call the Sheriff’s Office at 706/896-4444.  You may also drop off donations at the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center at 4070 State Highway 339, Young Harris, or located in the Towns County Courthouse at 48 River Street, Hiawassee.

Thank you for your continued support of this wonderful program.   We look forward to another successful year of helping Towns County’s children in need, made possible by your generosity this Christmas season.