Shop with a Sheriff lets kids make their Christmas wishes come true

On Saturday, dozens of kids were able to check some things off of their Christmas lists with the help of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

Kevin Rambosk is the Collier County Sheriff. “One of the most fun days that not only our children in need have, but our deputies have as well,” said Rambosk.

90 Collier County children hit the aisles of Target on Sunday for the seventh annual Shop with a Sheriff event. This event was funded by donors from the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

Jane Schiff is the board chair for the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. “We had a donor who came to us and said that she wanted to provide some money for us if we could come up with a program that would help the community engage with the sheriff’s office and help the community, the kids and the community, to feel more comfortable with the sheriff’s office,” said Schiff.

Kids aged three to 15 got to bond with first responders. Each person got a $100 limit, and toys, clothes and even food were buying options for these shoppers.

Cindy Suayero’s daughter participated. “My daughter was like; ‘I’m going to go buy groceries, mom.’ and I was like ‘girl, no!’ ‘I said ‘no, you buy… you, you buy what you want because she’s always trying to look out for me,'” Suayero said.

The kids could shop, pick out wrapping paper and even pick up a handmade gift. With the help of generous donations, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office hopes to continue holding this event.

“Because when children can come to rely [on] and feel safe and positive with law-enforcement, it makes a huge difference for everybody’s safety,” Sheriff Rambosk said.

Sheriff Rambosk says youth programs like this can help build positive relations with kids in Collier County.