Shop with the Sheriff fundraiser at Toot’s

Most people remember the excitement of opening gifts Christmas morning.

But some Rutherford County Schools’ students don’t have any expectation of receiving presents because parents some families don’t have the finances to buy gifts, said Sheriff’s Capt. Brad Harrison, who supervises the School Resource Officers Division.

SROs and school officials determine children who fall into this hardship and chose them for the Shop with the Sheriff program.

“Christmas is a special time and we want to make it special for children whose parents cannot provide presents for them,” Harrison said.

Sheriff’s deputies and SROs contribute but need community help for 48 children chosen to shop this holiday.

SROs will collect donations from Toot’s customers from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 4 at Toot’s on Broad Street and Toot’s South on South Church Street.

Coordinator Sgt. Jimmy Cassidy said the all funds contributed will be used to provide Christmas presents to the students. Students will select Christmas presents when they shop with the SROs Dec. 15.

General Manager Spencer Wilson of Toot’s on Broad Street said the restaurant allows SROs to collect donations to give back to the community that supports Toot’s.

“This is one of my favorite nights of the year when we do the Shop with the Sheriff event,” Wilson said.

Toot’s is offering special for $3.99 for a burger and $4.99 for a burger with a side during the event.

General Manager Matt Utterback of Toot’s South said Toot’s is lucky to have customer support year-in and year-out and community supporters who donate to Shop with the Sheriff.

“It is always heart-warming to see the kids get their Christmas presents,” Utterback said.

Pictured: School Resource Officer Chris Erwin explains the Shop with a Sheriff fund-raiser to Thomas Cooper and his daughter Alayna, 5, at Toot’s South.