Most of us have family traditions that we enjoy during the Christmas season. Families with small children may spend Christmas Eve baking cookies for Santa or listening to Christmas carols while enjoying eggnog by the fire. As a small child I remember the anticipation of Christmas being so intense. I was in awe and wonder dreaming about what might be inside all those presents wrapped so nicely under the tree. I would just stare at the Christmas tree and daydream about Christmas Day.

For me, as I near 50 years old, Christmas is still the most magical time of year. I love Christmas lights and the sounds of Christmas carols everywhere. The world just seems to be a nicer place during the Christmas season. I love to watch young children open gifts and see their eyes light up with joy. There is no other feeling like the feeling Christmas. While Christmas is about so much more than material possessions, the spirit of that first great Christmas, when God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son Jesus, is certainly captured in the joy of a child receiving a gift on Christmas morning.

So, what about the children who are less fortunate? Imagine the child whose family has fallen on hard times. Do they wake up to just another day of struggling to make ends meet? Imagine a parent who loves their child and want to provide for their family, but had lost a job or fell on some financial hardship. It is a very sad thought that this parent would not able to provide a child they dearly love the wonder of Christmas morning. It breaks my heart to think that as the rest of the world enjoys the most blessed day of the year, some families wake to another day of not having enough. While providing toys for these children isn’t going to make the rest of their problems go away, I can’t help but believe that, at least for a time, their world becomes a little brighter and things seem a little better than before.
Each year the Sheriff’s Office attempts to provide the joy of Christmas gifts for these children. This effort is only made possible by the help of generous people in the community who donate to this cause. Names of children in need are collected and toys are gathered. We try whenever possible to provide at least one item that the child has specifically asked for. The toys are then given to the parents of the child to handle Christmas in their family’s tradition. It is all done in such a way as to protect the dignity of the family and allow them to share in the joy that many of us take for granted.

All of this is only made possible by the generous support of our community. If you would like to help us with this effort, or if you know of a family with children that needs help, please contact our staff at your Sheriff’s Office at 706-896-4444. I hope that each of you has a blessed and joyous Christmas this year!

Bicycles Donated to Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Campaign

On November 23, 2016 Sheriff Chris Clinton met with Brasstown Valley Resort General Manager Charles Burton at the resort to pick up 12 bicycles that the Delta Group, staying at the Lodge, donated to the 2016 Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Campaign. Sheriff Chris Clinton would like to thank the Delta Group for their generous donation.  Annually, the Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Campaign ensures over 200 children in the Towns County area receive Christmas presents.  Monetary donations or newly purchased toys can to be donated to the Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Campaign at the Sheriff’s Office located at 4070 Hwy 339 Young Harris, Georgia.  Anyone with questions about the Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Campaign can call the office at 706-896-4444.

Sheriff’s Office Adds New K-9 Member

The Towns County Sheriff’s Office has added a new member to their staff in recent weeks to assist in the investigation of drug activity within Towns County.  The Sheriff’s Office has a new K-9 by the name of “Hunter,” an 18-month-old Belgian Malinois.  Hunter came to the Sheriff’s Office from Arkansas where he was trained in the detection of illegal drugs. Deputy Jay McCarter, TCSO K9 handler, recently completed training with Hunter in Arkansas.  Hunter has been assigned to Deputy McCarter, who will be Hunter’s handler.  Hunter, since being deployed with Deputy McCarter, has proven to be an effective partner in the fight against the illegal drug trade.  Hunter has also assisted the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, as well as Hiawassee Police Department in their efforts.  So far, Hunter has assisted in the seizures of illegal drugs and two vehicles.