The Lake County Sheriff’s Office held its annual ‘Shop with a Sheriff’ event on December 17, 2019.  The program benefited 88 children by providing them an opportunity to shop for items such as winter coats, footwear, 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 Lake County elementary and middle schools.  An application process which helped identify financial need was determined by school district officials.

Each child shopper had an approximate $100.00 limit, which was funded completely by donations.  There were over $12,000.00 donated from Lake County residents and businesses. Leftover money will be added to next year’s funds.  

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.

Yesterday’s event began in the evening at Grayslake North High School in Grayslake.  The children visited with Santa and had a photo with Santa taken.  The kids were able to eat, play games, and enjoy themselves while waiting their turn to shop.  The kids were then transported to the Round Lake Beach Walmart to have their fun time shopping.

Deputy Mark Vice, who organized the event said, “Year after year, it is so warming to see the joy on the children’s faces while spending an evening with law-enforcement.  The kids are so excited to select clothing and gifts for themselves and family members.  I can’t thank all of our volunteers enough for making this event successful year after year.”

Sheriff John Idleburg added, “Shop with a Sheriff is one of my favorite events.  Getting to eat pizza with the children, seeing them make their Christmas wishes to Santa, then going with a uniformed member of the sheriff’s office or coroner’s office is heartwarming.  I am very proud of everyone who makes this event possible.”