The 2015 “Treats for Tots” program, sponsored by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Union Hill Church, was held on Friday night, Oct. 30.
Sheriff Kimmy Rogers and his deputies were stationed in towns around the county passing out candy and other goodies to Trick or Treaters.
Rogers was assisted by a group of enthusiastic volunteers including: Kimberly Browning, Melissa Adams, Danny and Carol Browning, Diane Rogers, Logan Gordley, Brittany Lloyd, Tina Gordley, and Tammy Graham.
“The volunteers get all the credit for this they’re the ones who do all the work,” said Sheriff Rogers. “All I do is hold the babies and hand out candy, I got the easy part. All the thanks should go to the Union Hill Church volunteers and the deputies who donate their time for this program,” he added.
Treats for Tots is an outreach program developed in response to children who, for various reasons, were taught to be fearful of law enforcement officials.
The focus of the program is to alter young people’s perceptions of law enforcement officials by interacting with them in an atmosphere that promotes trust.
The program is especially geared toward at-risk children.
Rogers frequent encounters with frightened children during the performance of his duty was the driving force behind the development of the program.
“Children need to know that they can trust us and turn to us when they need help,” Rogers said.
“Initially the program provided toys that the Sheriff and deputies kept in the trunks of their squad cars to give to children they encountered during arrests or investigations,” said Kimberly Browning, a Treats 4 Tots volunteer, “Sheriff Rogers keeps track of the most at-risk kids, he visits them and checks to see how they’re doing.”
The Toys for Tots campaign eventually led to Treats for Tots and a five week Summer Boot Camp in each of the county villages.
