NEWBERRY — Every year The Newberry Observer publishes letters to Santa from Newberry County children. These letters typically come in from schools, parents or grandparents with lists of what that little boy or girl is hoping to get under their tree this year.

This year The Newberry Observer received three different letters, something we have not received before. On the last day we accepted Santa letters, close to the final hour in fact, we received three letters from a family that just moved to Newberry. The letters came from a 9-year-old, 8-year-old and a 29-week-old.

However, the difference was how the letters started.

“I’m from Philadelphia, Pa. we moved to Newberry S.C. on Sept 6, 2017. My mom doesn’t have money for Christmas this year because of the move, she is trying to still catch up,” the letters read.

The two older children each asked for a bike and clothes, with one also asking for a crying baby alive. The younger child asked for a highchair and bottles.

These letters were published in our Santa Letter special section that came out Wednesday. However, the letters stuck with me, but I really did not know what to do.

Then came Wednesday, I went to the Sheriff’s Office to take pictures of Operation Santa Claus, which is the Sheriff’s Office annual program that gives toys to Newberry County children who may not get any on Christmas.

During my time surrounded by all the toys and the happy children, something dawned on me. If anyone can help give this family a Christmas, it’s the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Lee Foster.

I spoke with Foster right then, his instant response was “send me the letters and we will take care of it.”

That evening I returned to my office, typed up the information, including names, ages, sizes and an address and sent the information to Foster.

The Sheriff’s Office took the letters and gave the family a Christmas.

On Thursday, I received an email from Foster saying they took care of the family rather handsomely. They took boxes of food, toys, clothes, pillows and blankets. Foster added that they brought food after they found out there was a limited supply.

To describe their reaction he said, “appreciative, thankful, tears, gratitude.”

A note from me (Andrew): Thank you Sheriff Foster and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office for helping take these letters and giving a family a Christmas that they otherwise would not have had this year.

Deputy Sherri Scott with the family and the boxes of food, toys, clothes, pillows and blankets.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_20171221_141241-1.jpgDeputy Sherri Scott with the family and the boxes of food, toys, clothes, pillows and blankets. Courtesy photo

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@newberryobserver.com

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @ TheNBOnews.