When Chelsea and Justin wake up with their two daughters Christmas morning — one 10 years old and in fifth grade, the other just 5 years old and in kindergarten — they know that for just one moment, everything is going to be okay.
That’s because Santa and his reindeer proverbially arrived Thursday night, when Trigg County Sheriff’s deputies shuttled more than 20 students, parents and caretakers to the Lexie Bush Convention Center for free pizza, drinks and desserts, before escorting them to the Princeton Wal-Mart for an expenses-paid shopping spree — courtesy of more than a dozen anonymous and public sponsors of “Shop With A Sheriff.”
As a military family in need, Chelsea said Justin is an honorably discharged veteran out of Fort Campbell, who unfortunately suffers from PTSD after a 2008 tour in Afghanistan. Unable to find stable work, he also hasn’t been able to qualify for added disability on top of his VA benefits.
This leaves him as the necessary parent at home, while she works to pay a myriad of living expenses. And so adamantly did the couple want to live in south western Kentucky, they returned to the area a couple years ago after some other stops, and originally hoisted their home at the Cadiz RV Park — before moving further into town for improved family stability and travel arrangements.
With gasoline, groceries, phone costs, a budding archer through the Trigg County Arrowcats, and more, Chelsea said something like this came at the perfect time, and brought with it so much relief.
There have been moments, Chelsea admitted, where she wondered how to find some help. How do families latch on to Angel Tree assistance, or similar programs? But she never asked.
And this time, she didn’t have to.
Chelsea said she received a call “out of the blue” from Lighthouse Family Resource Youth Services Center Coordinator Ashley Hunter — who reportedly makes it a priority to keep an eye out for distressed families and students, and then alert authorities on the holidays.
It’s discreet, non-partisan and keeps the Sheriff’s Department away from the decision process — and instead leaves professionals in the appropriate lane.
According to Department Office Manager Faye Godair, “Shop With A Sheriff” has deep roots within the community. For years under guys like Randy Clark, Ray Burnam and Jason Barnes, there had long been an effort for local kids to receive new bicycles each Christmas.
In 2020, and with the help of current Sheriff Aaron Acree and others wrapped up in the process, she said there became a desire to do something new. Something different. After all, the bicycle brigade was built.
Now, Acree noted, families are getting assistance in a variety of ways — seeking games, garments and groceries to keep spirits bright.
Last year, Acree said one student bought a coat for his father — a construction worker who was always outside — and that he didn’t need anything because “Santa was going to take care of things, and he had been good.” Godair noted another bought dog food, because their pup needed a holiday feast, too.
This year, Acree said two students unwittingly bought gifts for each other, because they are best friends.
Acree said students this year received no less than $200 each, and that donations for this season — and next — were coming in as late as Thursday afternoon.
In fact, at least one deputy opted to sponsor part of a family themselves.
Even further, Christian County’s Phillip Eastman took some calls for service in Trigg County, so that coverage wasn’t interrupted while local deputies and Acree could accompany students and families on their trip.
