JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Marion County Sheriff’s Department (MCSD) recently held several roadblocks across the county dedicated to raising funds for the department’s Christmas for Kids program.
MCSD’s Christmas for Kids program first began in the 1970s and was founded by Kenneth Mines, a former corrections officer of the Marion County Jail who passed away in 2003. Since its establishment, the program has grown and developed into a community staple for the holidays, with the sheriff’s department raising funds and collecting toy donations for children in need every year.
Jonathan Wingo, an officer for MCSD, explained the department has hosted three separate road blocks across the county: one in Whitwell, Kimball and Jasper. The road blocks allowed those passing by through each community the chance to donate money or toys towards the department’s cause.
“We’re collecting donations, and it can be cash money, toys, or anything that anybody wants to donate to the needy families,” explained Wingo.
Crystal Nugent, current overseer and coordinator for the program, explained that all proceeds collected would go directly towards purchasing a large assortment of toys and other gifts for children and families in need throughout the county. All gifts purchased will then be utilized for this year’s Christmas Train, where all county police departments as well as state troopers come together and travel across the county delivering gifts to families in need.
“This is how we get the money. Everything is donated,” said Nugent.
All road blocks have since been held, and MCSD is currently underway into preparing this year’s Christmas Train.