Students heading back to school after the end of a long summer can experience a lot of feelings. They may or may not be ready to head back for one reason or another, and the same for parents. The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Shelter House, Inc., and their community partners are working to ease the anxiety for one group that may struggle more than others.  

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Shelter House, Inc., for their annual Shop with a Sheriff event Aug.12 to ensure that children residing in shelters in Fairfax County are equipped with clothes, school supplies, and other necessities heading into this school year. This event has taken place for the past 33 years just before the start of the school year. This year, nearly 40 children took part in the event making positive connections with local law enforcement and members of the community.

“Shop with a Sheriff is one of my favorite events,” said Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid. “The children are excited to have one-on-one time with the deputies. From the time they initially get off the bus and enter the courthouse cafeteria to the last good-bye, we see them come alive. They make personal connections and know that we see them, they are important, and they are cared about.”

Shelter House, Inc., is a local, non-profit organization that provides safe housing and resources for people and families in our community who experience homelessness.

"We are deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of Sheriff Kincaid and her dedicated deputies,” said Joe Meyer, Shelter House’s executive director. “For over 30 years, their leadership and compassion have made Shop with a Sheriff a gift every year, supplying local children in shelters with all the essentials they need to start the school year with dignity, excitement and confidence, just like all their peers. Together, we are Changing Lives!"

The Day Begins with Games

Upon arrival, the children walked into the Fairfax County Courthouse and into the cafeteria, which was set up for a party. Deputies and civilians were paired up with the children, and they would be a team for the rest of the day. “Moana” and “Spiderman” greeted the children, and the festivities kicked off with games, face painting, indoor basketball, balloon animals, and so much more.

One child, Gracie, was paired with two deputies, Sgt. Romero and Pfc. Sapp. Gracie enjoyed meeting “Moana” when she first arrived. They whispered a few secrets and shared bursts of giggles before heading into the activities room. Inside, she found a world of fun waiting, tables for coloring, stations for video games, stencil tracing sheets, and trays of colorful beads ready to be transformed into creations.

Following introductions attendees enjoyed pizza donated from Fairfax City Paisanos, which the locally owned business has done for the past several years.

And then it was time for shopping!

The Shopping Challenge

One hour. One hour to spend $300 in Target. That was the challenge.

“We have a $300 Target gift card for each child to buy clothing essentials,” said Maj. Nick Andariese, one of the event coordinators. “The volunteers receive a shopping list of what they must get for each child. Things like socks, shoes, jackets, and school clothes. These are the basic items kids need not just to begin the school year, but to have.”

Gracie and her deputies started off in the girls clothing section with Gracie pointing the way smiling and laughing with seemingly no worry in the world.

“It was wonderful seeing Gracie open up,” Sapp grinned as he recalled the day. “When she first got off the bus at the courthouse, we were told she didn’t want to be there; she was really anxious. However, by the end of the day she didn’t want to let us go. It was incredibly heartwarming to make that connection with her.”

Gracie received the royal treatment as Sapp and Romero followed her throughout Target choosing clothes with her favorite characters and colors; lighting up with a huge smile when one of them said, “Ok, put it in the cart!”

"This is what it’s all about. Connecting with our community, showing these kids we care, we see them," Sheriff Kincaid said. "Events like this also provide these children the opportunity to interact with uniformed law enforcement members in a positive and caring environment. Building connections through care and trust.”

Once the shopping was complete, their goodies paid for, bagged and labeled, the children were brought into Target’s breakroom where they chose a backpack with pencils, crayons, and notebooks inside, all donated by Target. And of course, more snacks.

By the end of the day each child received something new to start their school year, the same as every other child in their class: new clothes and new supplies. These children will begin school with dignity, pride, and an exciting story to tell about their summer with Shop with a Sheriff.

All of the funds used for the children’s shopping is donated from our community members and community partners. If you are interested in donating to this event, please email the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office communications team (SHF-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov).  

Check out the video story here.