'Shop with the Sheriff' Sends Children on Back-to-School Shopping Spree

At the end of every summer, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office takes children who are homeless on a shopping spree at the Target in Burke, Va. On Aug. 14, 40 children from local homeless shelters will be paired with a sheriff’s deputy and given a $250 gift card to use toward purchasing school supplies.

Parents or guardians typically send a list of sizes for different items including age-appropriate tops and bottoms, undergarments, shoes, coats and accessories.

“Mostly the kids choose what they really need for school,” said Sgt. Scott Mason, a long-time participant in the program. “But we also let them pick a couple of non-essential things because that makes the day extra special.”

This year, the children will come from the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax, the Patrick Henry Family Shelter in Falls Church and the Next Steps Family Shelter in Alexandria.

Now in its 23rd year, the “Shop with the Sheriff” program has partnered with Target in Burke, Va. to help children prepare for the upcoming school year.

“Shop with the Sheriff allows our staff to give back to the community we serve and have a great time while we are doing it,” said Sheriff Stacey A. Kincaid. “Customers in the store often stop to ask about the program and cheer us on. We are lucky to work in a community that is so supportive.”

For more information, visit the Sheriff’s outreach page or email sheriff@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Image: Courtesy Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office