ELIZABETHTOWN —Along with his mad dash around the world and sliding down every chimney in sight, Santa Claus paused long enough to assist the Bladen County law Enforcement Association with some special deliveries.
“Operation Christmas,” a special mission by the local law enforcement group, was put into motion on Tuesday, Dec. 22.
“The Association had pledged to help some families in the county who were not going to have as good a Christmas as others,” said Sheriff Jim McVicker. “The officers organized and held fundraisers during the year such as a golf tournament and conducted concealed carry classes.
“Some of the money they raised in these endeavors went towards buying presents of toys and clothes for children throughout the county,” he added. “The Association also received a donation from Hubert Kinlaw, Dublin Motor Speedway, and Russell Priest.”
According to McVicker, the officers asked the local primary schools officials to help them identify the needy families and received assistance from Bladenboro Primary, Bladen Lakes Primary, Elizabethtown Primary, Dublin Elementary, East Arcadia Elementary, Booker T. Washington Elementary and Plain View Elementary.
In all , the schools helped them identify 10 families and more than 20 children.
“Officers began collecting and wrapping presents and … met at the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office before heading out to spread a little Christmas cheer and let kids know that officers do care,” McVicker said. “With the help of Santa and some patrol cars, because Santa wanted his reindeer to rest before the big night, all the presents were delivered.”
While out on their mission the officers also stopped at the home of Marjorie Lesane near Dublin. McVicker said that, a couple of weeks back, deputies they learned that Lesane had a fuel tank that leaked and ruined the floor in her home. The officers asked for and got help from Bladen County Emergency Services and the Bladen Baptist Men’s Association. In less than a day her entire living room floor was torn out and replaced and her heater repaired.
McVicker added that Lesane would also receive help with her heating bills this winter.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.
