August 18, 2023

Forty children from area homeless shelters were treated to an unforgettable day that combined community interaction, fun activities and a back-to-school shopping spree. The day started with a get-to-know-you session where each child, temporarily residing in a Shelter House or Facets emergency shelter, was paired with a sworn or civilian staff member of the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office.

After a lunchtime Paisano’s pizza party, the group headed to Target for an hour of back-to-school shopping. The children, guided by their adult counterparts, were able to use their $250 gift cards to purchase essential school clothing items such as age-appropriate tops and bottoms, undergarments, shoes, coats and accessories. Through generous donations, the Sheriff’s Office also provided these children with backpacks filled with school supplies.

Now in its 32nd year, Fairfax County’s Shop with the Sheriff is a heartwarming event that provides a glimpse into the human side of law enforcement officers and their commitment to serving the community. Ensuring children are prepared for the upcoming school year is essential for their success, and Sheriff’s Office staff are delighted to play a part in that.

Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid describes the event perfectly, saying: “Every summer, Shop with the Sheriff is an opportunity for us to influence young lives in both tangible and intangible ways. These children are living in family shelters. Helping them prepare for the start of the school year with new clothes is something we can see and appreciate. Less obvious, but just as important, is the relationship building. We are law enforcement officers. At the same time, we are regular people who can tell jokes and stories. We want the children to engage with us today and in the future.”