AMERICUS — Every year, the Americus Police Department has sponsored families for Christmas. This tradition started back when Charlie Whitehead was the police chief. He always placed emphasis on the community and insisted that his officers get involved in community projects.
Recently, the inspiration has been Officer Cantrell Johnson and Officer Carolina Pittman. They are devoted to that fact that someone in this community needs help, and Christmas is a time to give back.
This year — with the help of sponsors, officers and staff, Belk, Family Dollar (Manhattan Street), Southwestern Circuit Probation and Walmart Supercenter — the police department was able to provide five local families with shoes, clothes, coats, toys, food and bicycles.
The goal is to spread a little joy and that each family will have a Merry Christmas.
The Americus Police Department offers special thanks to the sponsors and to the individuals that served as Santa’s helpers.