Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam along with more than 200 Deputy Sheriffs, Sheriff’s Office employees, Washoe County Honorary Deputy Sheriffs, volunteers and family members participated in the 19th Annual Shop with the Sheriff event on December 7, 2021.
“There were a lot of smiles and cheer at this year’s Shop with the Sheriff event,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam. “This is the premiere Sheriff’s Office affair which makes a sizable impact for families in our community. To be able to return Shop with the Sheriff to an in-person, shopping event for our community’s children was a joyous experience not only for the kids, but those who escorted them around Walmart.”
This year’s Shop with the Sheriff returned to an in-person experience inside the Sparks Walmart Supercenter located on Pyramid Way. Due to Covid-19, last year’s event was a modified, drive-through event where volunteers pre-purchased and wrapped gifts from provided wish-lists.
Two hundred fifty local children were escorted by volunteers throughout the store to purchase $200 worth of Christmas gifts – often, selected gifts include essential household items and personal hygiene products. Funding for the event, totaling $50,000, was provided through the Washoe County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association (WCHDSA) and through the inaugural WCHDSA Golf tournament.
“I especially want to thank the management at the Sparks Walmart Supercenter for opening their doors to Shop with the Sheriff,” said Sheriff Balaam. “This was a heavy lift for the store – cordoning off a specific area for this event, bringing in additional employees, and ensuring there was inventory for all of us.
“On behalf of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office I also want to thank all of the Sheriff’s Office community, the Washoe County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association, every volunteer, and our community partners who supported us,” Balaam continued. “Without each of you coming together with us, we could not have made Shop with the Sheriff happen. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making a difference and making this year’s holiday season special.”
