Sumter County sheriff’s personnel were busy loading food and household supplies into three large SUVs Friday as they prepared to make a delivery to the Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman.

Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer, Beth Hunt, Mary Bowles, Kala Thompson and Dep. Joey Mooneyham pose with some of the food and household items that were delivered to the federal employees at the prison in Coleman on Friday.

The items were collected as a result of an initiative titled “Operation Government Shutdown,” which is designed to help struggling federal employees at the prison who haven’t seen paychecks in weeks.

The collection effort runs through next Friday but could be continued, depending on what happens following the short-term deal to reopen the government that was announced by President Trump on Friday afternoon.

“We have just had a huge outpouring of people in the community that have brought items to us,” said Beth Hunt, community outreach coordinator for the sheriff’s office. “We’ve had hospitals, schools, different law enforcement agencies, banks and just individuals – on the south end and the north end of the county – that have donated quite a lot.”

Hunt said about $2,000 worth of gas and gift cards have been donated, as well as pet supplies, baby items, food, household supplies, paper goods, toilet paper, paper towels and plates, to name a few things.

“A lot of the churches in the community have called,” Hunt said. “Bushnell, Coleman, Webster – I’d say there’s at least seven churches that have donated or are donating and helping out.”

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office delivered three SUVs full of food and household items to employees at the Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman on Friday. The collection effort continues through next Friday and could be extended, depending on how long the government shutdown lasts.

Hunt said the successful effort, which clearly will make a huge difference for those federal employees who aren’t getting paid but have to keep working, says quite a bit about the community.

“I know that I am proud to live in this community because we have so many kind and giving people,” she said. “It is a special county and people are very giving and very kind when someone is in need.”

Hunt added that Sheriff Bill Farmer and his entire administrative staff are committed to the effort to help their colleagues in the law enforcement community.

“They’ve been very supportive, as they are with everything we do with the community outreach program,” she said.

Those who wish to donate can drop items off at the sheriff’s office in Wildwood, 7361 Powell Rd.; the Bushnell office at 250 E McCollum Ave.; and at Nathan Thomas State Farm, 502 S Main St. in Wildwood. Follow the sheriff’s office Facebook page by clicking HERE for more information.