Jackson County Sheriff’s Department kicks off Santa Wears a Badge toy distribution

The eighth annual Santa Wears a Badge Toy Distribution kicked off this morning.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department sponsors the program, which is funded by donations from residents in the community.

Through Santa Wears a Badge, the department works with community members and local businesses to collect toys for Christmas to provide to less fortunate children in Jackson County.

Santa Wears a Badge Coordinator Connie Bosarge says they have received more gifts this year than ever before. “The workers really needed help because they are just going pay check to pay check. So, we tried to find something that would help them that they couldn’t get assistance from anywhere else. It has gone from 125 kids and we are now topping around 500.”

Those who signed up for Santa Wears a Badge can pick up their gifts tomorrow at the Jackson County Fairgrounds Arts and Crafts building from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.