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SYLVESTER, Ga. (WALB) - The Worth County Ladies Auxiliary held its largest event of the year, helping 65 children and teens shop for Christmas gifts with support from local public safety agencies.

The shop with public safety event brought together the Worth County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and Georgia State Patrol to help families in need during the holiday season.

“It’s a warming feeling,” said Dan Avery, a member of GSP. “Not everybody in the community can always provide like they would want to for their children. So, it’s always nice when you have that extra support, even from the outside.”

Betty Dorsey, the organizer of the fundraiser, said the event focuses on older children because fewer fundraisers are dedicated to them.

“We don’t want to forget any child,” Dorsey said. “But, you know, the older the kids get, a lot of people remember, let’s go buy a baby doll or let’s buy a truck. But these older children, they need to be shown that they are cared about, and they’re appreciated, and they’re loved just as much as these little kids.”

Each child and teen received a $200 budget to spend on whatever they wanted at Walmart. The event allows them to receive exactly what they want for Christmas.

One parent said the event provided a way to give her children a happy Christmas during a difficult year.

“This year my husband was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer, and it’s been very rough,” she said. “And for the community to come together and help out like this has just been a blessing.”

The 65 children helped represents the most ever for the annual fundraiser.

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