A group of 29 teenagers from the Putnam County area experienced a festive holiday shopping trip on December 10, 2023, as part of the annual Shop with a Deputy program. Organized by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, this initiative aims to assist local children in need while fostering positive relationships with law enforcement. The event took place at Walmart in Palatka, Florida.
The teenagers, identified through the Putnam County School District and the sheriff’s office victim advocacy unit, were each provided with $250 to spend during the shopping spree. This year, the program received significant support from the 10-24 Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting law enforcement employees and their families in times of need.
Allison Waters-Merritt, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, noted, “This was our biggest year yet. Having the 10-24 Foundation sponsor the event allowed us to expand the program and accept donations in a way we weren’t able to before.”
The 10-24 Foundation, named after a law enforcement radio code meaning “officer in need of assistance,” played a crucial role in this year’s success. Sheriff Gator DeLoach, who also chairs the foundation, emphasized the lasting impact of the event on both deputies and the teens they accompany. “For our deputies, as well as our kids, this is a humbling and emotional experience,” he stated.
While one shopping trip cannot resolve all issues, DeLoach believes it can open doors. “There is someone now they can call on for help,” he added. The foundation’s involvement enabled the distribution of tax-deductible letters to donors, allowing for greater community engagement.
The selection process for participating teens is handled discreetly. Deputies collaborate with school district officials and victim advocates to identify those facing hardships, such as homelessness or family crises. Waters-Merritt remarked, “Teenagers often fall through the cracks during the holidays. Toy drives don’t usually reach them, and many have had difficult interactions with law enforcement during some of the worst moments of their lives.”
The shopping day began at the sheriff’s office, where teens were paired with deputies before making the exciting journey to Walmart in patrol vehicles, complete with lights and sirens. Each deputy accompanied two teens for approximately two hours of shopping, allowing them to decide how to use the funds without judgment.
“We want them to be kids and experience a normal Christmas,” Waters-Merritt explained. Some teens chose items for themselves, while others thought of siblings or family members. For instance, one teen purchased laundry detergent, highlighting the practical needs many face.
After shopping, deputies assisted with wrapping gifts and treated the teens to a pizza lunch. Walmart employees significantly contributed to the event’s success, raising funds and providing support during the shopping spree, along with festive decorations and visits from Santa and the Grinch.
The 10-24 Foundation was established following the line-of-duty shooting of Deputy Randy Hayes, who now serves as a lieutenant overseeing school resource deputies. Hayes participated in the Shop with a Deputy event and stated that it remains a profoundly meaningful experience for him.
“With early, positive interactions with law enforcement, we can help shift negative perceptions formed through stressful encounters,” Hayes noted. Many teens only see deputies during critical situations, making programs like this essential for building trust within the community.
Hayes also highlighted the emotional significance of seeing the foundation support children and families throughout Putnam County. “Just giving them a chance to be happy is pretty awesome,” he said, reflecting on the joy the event brings to the participants.
The total spending for this year’s Shop with a Deputy program was estimated at around $8,000, including additional donations received during the event. Waters-Merritt mentioned that deputies enthusiastically volunteer each year due to the positive emotional impact. “It’s such a positive experience,” she said. “I have deputies who sign up every single year because they love it.”
This initiative not only provides immediate assistance to local teens but also fosters long-term trust and relationships between law enforcement and the community.
