Sheriff's Office, association partner for annual shopping event
Sheriff John Idleburg, the Lake County Sheriff's Office, and the Lake County Sheriff's Association held the seventh annual "Shop with a Sheriff" event Tuesday, Dec. 18.
The program benefited 78 children in need by providing them an opportunity to shop for items such as winter coats and Christmas presents with a uniformed member of the Lake County Sheriff's Office or Lake County Coroner's Office.
The children who participated were from Community Consolidated School District 46. An application process, which helped identify financial need, was determined by school district officials.
Each child shopper had an approximate $100 limit, which was funded completely by donations. A total of $8,300 was spent by this year's shoppers. Participating law enforcement acted as chaperones to help the junior shoppers make sound decisions and assisted them in keeping track of how much they spent.
The event began in the evening at Avon Center School in Round Lake Beach. The children visited with Santa. The kids were able to eat, play games and enjoy themselves while waiting their turn to shop. They were then transported to the Round Lake Beach Walmart to have their fun time shopping.
Lake County Sheriff's Association President Mark Vice said, "I am so proud we are now in our seventh year of hosting this amazing event. We have a terrific group of volunteers who help organize this event and we are grateful for all those who participated in taking this awesome group of kids shopping."
Lake County Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper said, "The Lake County Coroner's Office is proud to participate with the Sheriff's Office and Sheriff's Association in such a great event. A big thank you to all of the junior shoppers and volunteers who joined."
Idleburg said, "It was nothing short of impressive watching the members of the Lake County Sheriff's Office and Coroner's Office have this positive interaction with our youth. The children who participated will undoubtedly remember this positive experience forever. Thank you to the Lake County Sheriff's Association and everyone who participated."
A special thank you to the Lake County Sheriff's Association, Lake County Sheriff's Office Auxiliary Unit, Round Lake Beach Walmart, Community Consolidated School District 46, Mission BBQ (Gurnee), Wayne's Pizza (Third Lake), Orlando's Pizza (Round Lake Beach), Lovin Oven Cakery (Round Lake Beach), Humanizing the Head-Set, Iron Justice Motorcycle Club, and FOP.
• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.