Press Releases
Harnett County Sheriff’s Office hosts 10th annual Shop with a Sheriff
The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office held the 10th annual Shop With A Sheriff (SWAS) program on Thursday, December 14. The program provided 21 children with the opportunity to purchase up to $300 worth of items they desired for Christmas.
Major Aaron Meredith spearheaded the program in 2013, and in its first year, the Sheriff’s Office was able to serve 15 children. The program gives back to the community and provides positive interactions with the citizens of Harnett County and the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.
“One thing that differentiates SWAS from other programs like this is that we also take youth that have distinguished themselves in the community by volunteer work or an act of kindness. I felt that sometimes the good kids get looked over,” said Meredith.
The Sheriff’s Office receives recommendations from county departments, school administrations, and other community leaders to determine which children can participate in the program.
“One of the best times of the year for me is during the Shop With A Sheriff event,” said Wayne Coats, Harnett County Sheriff. “Once you experience the excitement on the participants faces and see those smiles, you are hooked! This wonderful program has been a blessing for many families in Harnett County and the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.”
Families, volunteers, community members and the Sheriffs gathered at the Sheriff’s Office for pictures with Santa and brief remarks. The 21 children were then chauffeured to the store to shop for Christmas gifts.
To raise money for the non-profit program, The Sheriff’s Office hosts a golf tournament each May at Chicora Golf Club and receives sustaining donations throughout the year. Citizens interested in donating or to find out more about Shop With A Sheriff, contact Major Aaron Meredith at ameredith@harnett.org
Harnett County is one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina with approximately 140,000 residents. Harnett's tagline of "Strong Roots, New Growth," describes a county in transition, one that values its rural agricultural heritage while also embracing new growth and industry. Harnett County is optimally located just between North Carolina's capital city of Raleigh and the internationally recognized Research Triangle Park to the north, and the nation's largest military installation in Fort Bragg to the south.
For more information, contact Community Relations Director, Desiree Patrick at publicinfo@harnett.org or 910-893-7555.