‘Shop with a Deputy’ makes Christmas wishes come true

Author: Megan Contreras
Published: Updated:

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla.- Christmas wishes came true for kids in Lee County Friday.

Deputies traded in their badges and took on the role of Santa’s helpers for this year’s holiday shopping spree “Shop with a Deputy.”

By the time, 7-year-old Jayleen made it to Target, she already had her Christmas list written out.

“Bike, clothes, helmet, shoes,” said Jayleen.

Together, Jayleen and Deputy Matt Ansell took over the aisles of the store.

“It’s awesome that she can get what she wants,” said Ansell.

She may be only 7 years old, but Deputy Ansell sees Jayleen as a hero. He picked her as his winner of the $200 dollar shopping spree.

“As soon as I read the essay, I knew that was going to be the winner.”

Jayleen’s essay described the day she saved her cousin’s life after falling in the pool.

Together they test drove bikes before picking out the perfect one.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a bike that little,” said Ansell.

A third grader named Marcos won over the heart of Deputy Bryce Hardin with his essay about law enforcement.

“He sees police officers doing their job and he looks up to them and respects them,” said Hardin.

Marcos wanted a truck and an iPad for Christmas.

“These are your top two? Okay! Let’s go get them!”

The shopping spree brought back memories for Deputy Hardin, he was part of “Shop with a Deputy” when he was kid.

“This brings a smile to our face, it does give a sense of community, and we are very happy to do it for them,” said Hardin.

 

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