The police department will continue that spirit next month with its annual Christmas For Kids program, which this year includes a twist, allowing officers to grow beards in exchange for a donation to the shopping spree.

Food delivery

The Halifax County Sheriff’s and Gaston Police Department assisted in the food delivery, which has been a tradition for the past six years.
It is a tradition which will continue, said Roanoke Rapids Lieutenant Bruce Norton. “We want to show our commitment by giving back to the community we serve.”
Quoting minister and author W.T. Purkiser, Roanoke Rapids Chief Chuck Hasty said, “It’s not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them is the true measure of our Thanksgiving.”
Said Hasty: “The officers pooled their resources and worked with community partners Angel’s Closet, Walmart and Bojangle’s to make this happen, this small gesture by the officers gives me great confidence in knowing that we have some of the greatest law enforcement in the area.”

From left, Ball, Hasty and Hardy sport their beards.

Christmas for kids

The annual Walmart shopping spree kicks off December 10 at 10 a.m. at Chick-fil-A, Hasty said, where the 25 children will be fed before heading to Walmart.
Each child will be allowed to spend $250, money which was raised through fundraisers, individual businesses and vendors.
Money was also raised using the concept of No-Shave November, Hasty said, allowing the officers to grow beards during the month for a $25 donation to Christmas for Kids.
For Officer Jamie Hardy, the program is worth it. “It’s a good cause for the kids.”
Hardy said the beard is a conversation starter and several have asked him about it and he gets to tell them about Christmas for Kids.
Master Officer Roy Ball likes the program because it helps change perceptions about police. “The kids don’t see us in a negative light. It’s all about them. It’s their day. They see you as Santa Claus.”
In explaining the program, Hardy said, people can see police in a different light. “We’re stepping outside that line, explain what we go through. It gives them a concept of the way things are.”
Ball said the spirit of giving is seen through the children the police department and other first responders help through Christmas for Kids. “They worry more about their parents than themselves. It’s gratifying to do. All the kids are awesome.”
Hasty, who will be participating in his second Christmas for Kids as chief, has also seen children more worried about someone in their family than themselves.
The community support is also overwhelming, the chief said. “There’s something about the community. It always seems to rise to the occasion.”