This holiday season, Union County Sheriff Shawn Dyer is excited to continue the beloved local tradition known as the Sheriff’s Give-A-Gift for Christmas Program. But he needs the community’s help to keep things going.
Since 2001, Give-A-Gift has provided presents to be opened on Christmas morning by happy children who might otherwise get little to nothing under their trees.
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Unique to the Give-A-Gift Program, parents receive the gifts themselves to wrap and give to their kids, meaning mommy and daddy don’t have to explain the complicated reasons why they couldn’t afford presents this year.
That’s because the program benefits local families that are struggling financially, whether due to sickness, job loss or something else. No matter the cause of economic hardship, families can find themselves having to decide between paying bills and buying Christmas presents.
Of course, it’s too much to expect a child to understand such concerns – and Sheriff Dyer believes they shouldn’t have to, which is why he is asking the community to support the Sheriff’s Give-A-Gift again in 2025.
Give-A-Gift provides for children ages 1 to 12, and people looking to donate should bring in new and unwrapped gifts, excluding weapons and their toy counterparts, to the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 378 Beasley Street in Blairsville.
Those who want to give but are unsure of what to buy can drop off cash or a check instead; monetary donations go toward fulfilling certain wish-list items like jackets and shoes. And feel free to call the Sheriff’s Office at 706-439-6066 to see what is needed.
The Sheriff’s Office is also inviting parents who would like to participate as Give-A-Gift recipients to fill out an application for assistance.
Anyone needing assistance can visit the Sheriff’s Office now through Friday, Dec. 5, to make their Christmas wish list. Once the gifts are acquired, arrangements will be made for pickup in time for Christmas.
Usually, about 30 families apply for assistance. Dyer expects that number to grow this year, and he hopes families in need take full advantage of the program, which can help them make Christmas morning bright.
“It seems like the need may be a lot more this year than it has been the last few years,” Dyer said. “By what I’m seeing and hearing out there, people seem to be really struggling. So, I’m hoping that we get to help a lot of families.
“Participation stays confidential. Just a few members of my staff know who they are, and it won’t be talked about. We want people to use the program. Don’t be ashamed to use it, because that’s why we do what we do.”
Dyer is optimistic that local churches, civic groups and individuals will consider donating again to Give-A-Gift this year – or for the first time – to continue a tradition that makes local children feel special regardless of their circumstances.
“We live in such a great community – our needs are always met, and I look forward to them being met again this year,” Dyer said. “A lot of people have already stepped up and helped us out more than I anticipated.”
The sheriff encourages generous residents to support other local Christmas programs for kids, like the Blairsville Police Department Shop With A Cop and the Blairsville Cruisers Car Club Shop With A Cruiser.
