Month: December 2015

Wyandotte County Sheriff’s deputies and civilian personnel today helped children who have been victims of crime by taking them shopping and showing the children that they care.

As part of the Heroes and Helpers program, the deputies took children shopping for gifts at the Legends Target in an effort to help build self-esteem and show them love and compassion.

In this program, the children are the Heroes and the deputies, civilian staff and Target staff members are the Helpers, according to Sheriff Donald Ash.

Nine children were chosen from the district attorney’s victims assistance division and from the Sheriff’s Office protective custody division. There also are gifts that will be given to children who are still in protective custody but are not able to attend the event.

Many of the children have had a portion of their childhood tragically taken away from them, Lt. Kelli Bailiff , spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Department, stated.

The Sheriff’s Office, victim advocates and protective custody workers had the opportunity to give these children special attention in a non-stressful environment.

It was a chance “to have conversations, to build self-esteem and show these kids that we value them and want to be a part of the healing process,” Lt. Bailiff stated.

“When these children were first seen, it was because they had just experienced a traumatic event or been removed from their homes,” she said. “Now these children can see law enforcement in a different light, a loving and compassionate light.”

All the children, the deputies and civilian employees had smiles on their faces, and even a few tears were shed at the event, for a wonderful reason, she stated.

“It was a healing event for all of us.”

– Story and photo from Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office