By Kate Bartlett
‘Tis the season for giving, and reflecting on our blessings. The Cattaraugus County Sheriffs have a special way of giving back to the community. For over 16 years, they have participated in a Santa Sheriff program, helping families in need. Tonya Dry has been running this program for the past 5 years, and finds it more rewarding every year.
The majority of recipients for the program are identified with the help of School Resource Officers (SROs) from the department. SROs work closely with school counselors in the schools to identify families in need. Students who qualify fill out a form to specify “needs” and “wants” for the holiday season. The referring officer plays ‘Santa’ and shops for their individual child. “We try to meet the needs first, shopping for boots, winter clothing, coats, etc.”, says Tonya “But we also try to make sure there’s at least one toy for each child too. We try to bring them some joy during the holiday season.”
This year the program is directly gifting to 76 children and has expanded from last year, reaching almost every school district in Cattaraugus County including Hinsdale, West Valley, Gowanda, Cattaraugus/Little Valley, Randolph, 3 Salamanca Schools, 3 Pioneer Schools, Portville, Allegany- Limestone and one school at Olean Boces. “We have more schools participating in our SRO program, so we are able to reach more families.”
The School Resource Officer program was started to foster a positive environment between elementary and high school students and the officers. “We strive to build positive relationships between the officers and students. We want them to know we’re here to help, and see us in a light of positivity. Our officers want to be someone the students can turn to, a good role model, and a positive influence in their lives.”
“Shopping and delivering is the most rewarding part of the experience”, says Tonya. The officers traditionally shop collectively in uniform for the gifts the week after Thanksgiving. “We definitely get a lot of looks; shoppers can be quite surprised to see a group of sheriffs in uniform with shopping carts full of presents.” Volunteers wrap the gifts, then each officer hand delivers the gifts they purchased for their sponsor child the week before Christmas.
Tonya reflects on this event as the most rewarding part of her job. “It’s great to be able to bring a smile and help these families during the holiday season. It’s exciting to find a gift for a child that the family can’t provide. Knowing that we’ve helped a struggling family and bought some joy into their lives is priceless.”
It’s sometimes the little things that make a big difference. “We’ve had several requests for attire with school emblems (sweatshirts, t-shirts, etc). We work especially hard to meet requests like these as it is an opportunity to foster pride and inclusivity. These simple things can help these children stand a bit taller, taking pride in their school and education.”
The program is based 100% on donations collected at fundraising events throughout the year. For those looking to get involved with the Santa Sheriff program, donations are graciously accepted. Checks or money orders can be mailed directly to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office 301 Court Street, Little Valley, NY, 14755.