Shopping with the Sheriff
The Burke County Sheriff's Office made Christmas even more special for local children during the fifth annual "Shopping with the Sheriff" held last Thursday. The event provides each child with $50 and gives them the opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts with sheriff's office employees. Sheriff Greg Coursey said his office collected more than $2,000 this year, allowing even more children to stroll through the Wal-Mart aisles in search of the perfect item. Twenty-six volunteers from the BCSO took 35 children shopping - the most the event has ever provided for. Above, Shaun Pierce, left, and Miranda Pierce pose with Sheriff Coursey and his wife, Susan, after filling their shopping cart full of Barbie dolls. At right, Deputy Isaiah Hodge Jr. looks on as Nigel Jones picks out a set of toy guns. "Shopping with the Sheriff" is sponsored by the BCSO and Wal-Mart.

STAFF - DIANA ROYAL