Law enforcement officials from Sweet Home Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and the U.S. Forest Service took 35 underprivileged children shopping at Bi-Mart. Each received $75 to shop for themselves and for family gifts. They wrapped presents, drank hot chocolate and met Blue Santa at the Police Department afterward. The Sweet Home Kiwanis Club and local residents donated cash to pay for the event, along with part of the proceeds from The Point’s Thanksgiving dinner. When Officer Gerrit Southard’s found out too late that he won the $250 gift card in Bi-Mart’s weekly drawing, Bi-Mart agreed to donate the gift card. Children were selected by police officers and school referrals based on their experience working in the community, said Community Services Officer Gina Riley.
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