Christmas for Kids Shopping Day Brings Hope and Joy to More Than 270 Laurens County Children

Laurens County’s annual Christmas for Kids shopping day took place last week, marking another successful year of community-driven generosity and compassion.

Staff members and volunteers spent the day shopping individually for more than 270 children across the county. Organizers emphasized that the effort goes far beyond filling boxes with toys. Each child’s list received thoughtful attention, with gifts selected carefully to reflect individual needs and interests—all with the goal of bringing hope and joy to local children during the Christmas season.

“The heart behind this program is what makes it so special,” said Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds. “Our staff and volunteers take the time to make sure every child feels seen and cared for. It’s about more than gifts—it’s about letting these kids know their community believes in them.”

The program’s success is made possible through the generosity of donors throughout the year, as well as strong community participation in fundraising efforts such as the Jail and Bail fundraiser, which provides significant support for Christmas for Kids. Organizers noted that without this consistent backing, the program would not be possible.

Special thanks were extended to the staff at Walmart for their welcoming, patient, and accommodating support during the large-scale shopping day. Appreciation was also shared for Dean Cramer, who brought his “sleigh” to help transport and load the many Santa bags filled with gifts.

Organizers also recognized the dedicated Christmas for Kids staff, who work behind the scenes year-round to ensure the program’s success. Their passion and commitment were credited as a driving force in making sure every detail is handled and every child is remembered.

Year after year, Laurens County continues to show up for its children, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines the area. Through the collective efforts of donors, volunteers, partners, and staff, Christmas for Kids once again delivered meaningful moments of joy to families across the county