NATCHEZ —Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies say they want to see more of the community’s children having a blessed Christmas.

Sheriff Travis Patten said office grant writer Chakattria Johnson took the lead on beginning a project to provide a better Christmas for some area children by applying for and receiving a $1,000 grant from Walmart.

“It was just something on her heart,” Patten said. “We will stretch it as far as it will go because we don’t want to see anybody going without this Christmas season.”

Through the grant, Patten said he, office staff and deputies will take 10 children on a shopping spree Dec. 22. The day will start at McDonald’s for breakfast and lunch will be provided by Papa John’s. With help from funding from the U.S. Marine Corps, Bookland and Natchez Children’s Home Services, a total of 52 children will receive a gift this season.

Patten said leadership at New Hope The Vision Center is contributing 15 bags of groceries to help the children.

Traditionally, the sheriff’s office helps with Natchez Police Department’s Shop with a Cop event. Patten said the sheriff’s office had representation at NPD’s event and would in the future.

However, by applying for a separate grant, Patten said the law enforcement community would be able to help more children in Natchez and Adams County.

“We just want to help more kids,” Patten said. “As we go into the schools and in homes for other situations, we just realize what kind of need is out there in the community.

“I know that this is only a small amount, but every little bit helps. We want to help as many children as we can.”

Shop with a Cop is not just about buying games and toys for the children, Patten said.

“I talk to teachers all the time, and they are buying shoes, clothes and washing powder for children,” Patten said. “We will do something about that. These are the most needy children.

“(Shop with a Cop) gives us the chance to interact with the youth while also providing a need for them.”

Patten said he would accept donations because the community can help the sheriff’s office reach out to more children.

“Right now, 52 children are being helped,” Patten said. “If (residents) wanted to donate, we will increase the number.”

On top of Shop with a Cop helping the community, Patten said the program also provides an investment into the future for law enforcement.

“I don’t want people to just look at us as just being law enforcement officers,” Patten said. “We are human beings, too, and have feelings.

“We see people who are hurt, in pain, and this is one of the ways that we can bring comfort to the community.”

Donations can be dropped off at the sheriff’s office at 306 State St. Natchez, MS, 39120, or mailed to the same address attention to Adams County Sheriff’s Office.