Village of Sunbury at Glenbrook residents presented a check to Sumter County Sheriff’s Lt. Robert Siemer on Tuesday for $16,400 to support the Kids, Cops and Christmas program.
Eighteen years ago Ron Lottes organized a group of his neighbors to raise money to help families around Christmas time. The first year his group raised $6,400 and has continued to raise more each year, Lottes said. The amount raised this year was the most the group has ever raised.
The Villagers have made the Kids, Cops and Christmas their charity for donations for the past six years. This year the Sunbury Villages neighborhood broke all fundraising goals with $16,400 for the year. When asked why the neighborhood choose this program, Lottes said the group liked the idea that this provided kids with a positive experience.
“This program was started by Sheriff Farmer to provide Christmas for kids who might not otherwise get presents,” Siemer said. “The deputies volunteer their time to shop with kids who are selected by their school guidance counselors as the children most in need.”
Siemer also mentioned that some of these children associate the deputies with negative experiences in their lives. This program allows children to interact with law enforcement in a positive environment.
The next Kids, Cops and Christmas shopping event is scheduled for Dec. 12. Individuals and organizations which would like to help support this Christmas program should contact Theresa Cooper, community outreach coordinator, Villages District, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, (352) 689-4604.
