HCSO hosts Shop-With-A-Sheriff ahead of Youth Fishing Rodeo

D’IBERVILLE, Miss. (WXXV) — Thursday marked an exciting afternoon for a few local children at Academy Sports + Outdoors in D’Iberville.

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and the sporting goods retailer partnered together to treat 15 kids with the Boys and Girls Club of the Gulf Coast to a shopping spree. Each child received a $100 gift card to spend on supplies needed ahead of this weekend’s Youth Fishing Rodeo, put on by HCSO each year in memory of deputy Leroy Barnes.

Children and deputies searched the store together for apparel, backpacks and fishing supplies.

“It’s a lot of fun seeing the excitement on these kids’ faces, especially the ones that have never fished before,” HCSO Community Relations Sergeant Avery McClellon said. “It’s a lot of fun, and they always enjoy it. They learn so much, and of course they love using this $100 gift card to get whatever they want. It’s a good time.”

The Youth Fishing Rodeo takes place this Saturday, March 28th, at the sheriff’s county farm. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., with fishing available from 9 a.m. to noon. The event is free.