Joy of Christmas

Whatever happened to the true spirit of Christmas? On the quiet evening of Dec. 20, three West Union families walked in its glow, while those with them experienced the true joy of giving.

Each family was struggling with hardships, and the parents had no hope of giving their children gifts to enjoy for Christmas. Thanks to thoughtful donations in memory of Sherena (Shari) Richter, the West Union Shop with a Cop program was able to help out.

On that evening, three officers from the West Union Police Department volunteered to take the families out to eat at Frisch’s and then Christmas shopping at Wal-Mart.

Each family had three to four children who ranged from preschool to seventh grade.

Officer Sean Grooms, Corporal Jason Daniels and Sergeant Roy Stricklett of the West Union Police Department dined with the families, who eagerly enjoyed meals of their choice.

Once at Wal-Mart, each officer went along with one of the families to help. The three families were able to split $1,200 between them.

“One little girl really got next to me,” Stricklett said later. “She was a little upset when we went to the check out. She took me aside and asked ‘Isn’t there anything we could do for Mom and Dad?’ She was happy once she found out there was still enough funds to shop some more.

“We’re going to try to continue this program each year,” Stricklett continued. “We’re here to help if we can, and the officers are very good about volunteering.” According to Stricklett, the Shop with a Cop program is completely dependent on outside funding, and the West Union Police Department would appreciate donations from the public for the coming year.

Richter, 34, a 1989 graduate of West Union High School, died unexpectedly on Oct. 3, 2005 from an aneurysm at her home in Atlanta. Sherena volunteered with children, and counseled them, through the Fellowship Bible Church in Georgia.

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