Shop With the Sheriff brings joy to Dougherty County children for 25th year

By Alan Mauldin

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ALBANY– There was a new sheriff in town or, more accurately, at the hibachi restaurant, this year. But the annual Shop With the Sheriff tradition continued for the 25th year, bringing smiles to the faces of some of Dougherty County youngsters.

About two dozen children got to have a meal with law enforcement officers at Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse before police blocked off traffic with a wail of sirens to allow them to cross the street for a shopping spree at Target.

Each of the kids was given a $150 budget to spend on toys for themselves and loved ones for the holiday season.

In addition to the star he was handed in January 2025, Dougherty County Sheriff Terron Hayes also got the responsibility for Shop With the Sheriff from retired Sheriff Kevin Sproul, who initiated the program under the leadership of his predecessor, the late Jamil Saba.

Like Sproul, Hayes said that he considers the event for disadvantaged children a highlight of the year. 

So did officers who took part on Monday.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Sheriff’s Lt. Cornelius Drake said. “This is my third or fourth year. I started doing it with Sheriff Sproul, and it’s good to see Sheriff Hayes is continuing this legacy. It’s great for the community, and it’s great for disadvantaged kids. It’s just a joy to see all the kids’ smiles.”

Shop With the Sheriff also helps take some stress off of parents who may not be in a place to provide gifts this year, said Drake, who was paired with two boys.

“One of them expressed that he wanted to get something for his little brother or his little sister,” Drake said. “I want to put emphasis on the joy that this brings.”

The Dougherty County School System’s teachers and counselors assist in identifying children as participants for Shop With the Sheriff. Tokyo owner Han Kim provides the meal at no charge.

Proceeds from an annual sheriff’s golf tournament help fund the program.

After arriving at Target, Keyont’e Washington, 11, and 13-year-old Jonathon Johnson said that they did not have anything in particular in mind for their shopping list but would decide as they walked through the store.

“It’s fun so far,” Washington said. “We got to hang out with the cops and we get to go to Target and we get to go shopping.”

Retired Albany Police Department officer William Durham, who was accompanying 6-year-old Railey Cunningham as she shopped, said he was enjoying his first year participating.

“This is awesome,” he said.