Law enforcement shops for kids ahead of holiday season

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — It’s not even Halloween, but law enforcement and Sunbeam Family Services are already thinking ahead to the holiday season! On Wednesday, they started preparing to give hundreds of kids toys this Christmas.

"For some of those families, this may be the gifts that the children get. This may be the only toys that they get," said SGT. Tara Hardin, Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office.

There are fewer than two months to Christmas, and all through the store, local law enforcement and others shopped and explored. 

"We are shopping for 417 kids today that will culminate in a huge event in December when we give the presents away in Santa and the elves are there and the Grinch even sometimes shows up," said SGT. Hardin.

This is the 25th year of the grandparents raising grandchildren shopping event with Sunbeam Family Services.

But their big Christmas event isn't the only service offered for those enrolled in the program.

"We have a lot of wraparound services that this has expanded into, including mental health support for our grandparents and grandchildren if needed. We also do events throughout the year. We do the back-to-school supplies. We did some fun water events recently and we have support groups every week actually for these grandparents and it really helps," said Brandi Rettman, Careteam Coordinator, Sunbeam Family Services.

Law enforcement looked at each shopping list, then crafted the perfect cart with playful toys for kids of all ages. It's an event, they said, that warms their hearts to do every year.

"We don't want families to have to choose between necessities and fun when you're a child. Christmas should be fun. So there is a place where that hole can be filled. And we are so thrilled and delighted to be able to be a part of that," said SGT. Hardin.

If you are a grandparent raising your grandchild and want to get involved with Sunbeam Family Services, click here.