August 22, 2019

“Every summer, Shop with the Sheriff is an opportunity for us to influence young lives in both tangible and intangible ways,” said Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid. “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.”

On August 21, 2019, 40 children from the Katherine K. Hanley, Patrick Henry and Next Steps family shelters came to the Courthouse for a lunch-time Paisano’s pizza party and fun get-to-know-you activities. Each child was paired with a Sheriff’s deputy or a support staff member. Volunteers from Oracle in Reston also participated.

After lunch, the group headed to Target in Burke, VA for about an hour of back-to-school shopping. With guidance from the adults, the children used their $250 gift cards to purchase age-appropriate tops and bottoms, undergarments, shoes, coats and accessories.

Joe Myer is Executive Director and CEO of Shelter House, which operates four shelters in the county. "We are grateful to Sheriff Kincaid and her deputies to support each child in our shelters. On the first day of school and beyond, they will be just like all of their classmates, with brand new clothes and school supplies they need to have a successful school year. Through the annual Shop with the Sheriff event, this allows us to break down barriers between law enforcement and the community. Together, we truly are changing lives!"  

Shop with the Sheriff, in its 28th year, is funded through donations from individuals, businesses and organizations. To learn more about Shop with the Sheriff, please email the Sheriff’s Office.