By Kate Bartlett-
The holiday season is a time to give to those in need, and reflect on all of our blessings. The Cattaraugus County Sheriffs have a special way of giving back to the community. For over 15 years, they have participated in a Santa Sherriff program, helping families in need. Tonya Day has been running this program for the past 4 years, and every year it becomes more rewarding.
The majority of recipients for the program are identified with the help of School Resource Officers from the department. These SROs work closely with 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 52 children reaching almost every school district in Cattaraugus County including Gowanda, Cattaraugus/Little Valley, Randolph, 3 Salamanca Schools, 3 Pioneer Schools, Portville, Allegheny Limestone and one school at Olean Boces.
“Shopping and delivering is the most rewarding part of the experience,” says Tonya. “We shop collectively in uniform for the gifts which is a lot of fun. 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. We make sure they’re home so we can personally give it to each child and wish them a happy holiday season.”
Tonya reflects that it is a great program to give back to the community. “Our jobs here aren’t always fun. We see a lot of the darker side, but this program is one of the bright spots. It’s great to be able to bring a smile and help these families during difficult times. It helps me recognize how fortunate I am. Sometimes it’s healthy to recognize how blessed we are and help those in need.”
The program is based 100% on donations collected at fundraising events throughout the year. The majority of this year’s funding was raised through raffling at the Cattaraugus County fair. For those looking to get involved with the Sherriff’s Santa, donations are graciously accepted. Checks or money orders can be mailed directly to the Cattaraugus County Sherriff’s Office 301 Court Street, Little Valley, NY, 14755.