By Pamela Whitlow
LaFayette Police Department Sergeant Jacob Williams tells a magical Christmas story of how a Christmas Miracle came to LaFayette to serve and bless many kids in the community.
One of the many goals of the LaFayette Police Department since Chief Trice was named Chief of Police is having a better relationship with the community.
Chief Trice has asked Williams to spearhead the Police Department’s public relations and through events such as the Women’s Wellness Week and just recently a toy drive.
Williams said, “Before we had the titles of chiefs, captains, and sergeants; we were Christopher, Rod, Derrick, and Jake. We were and we still are men of this community. The city and surrounding community are our friends and family and we grew up around this area so we knew that there was a need for assistance around Christmas time.”
He added, “A representative from ACA Gives, asked me what is the very first question you were asked when you go back to school from Christmas holiday? “What did you get for Christmas?” We never wanted a child to have to feel bad or question if they were good enough or bad or whatever might of have been the reason that they did not receive gifts for the holiday.”
So through partnerships with LifeSouth and their blood drives, ACA Gives and Barry Johnson, a Non-Profit Community Partner, OnMed, Academy Sports of Auburn, and the Toy Drive, they were able to gather enough toys, stuffed animals, STEM educational toys, sports balls, board games, and bicycles to supply over 30+ local homes and 40+ children with gifts that were deemed appropriate for their age or physical capabilities.
On December 23rd with equipment assistance from the Chambers County Sherriff’s Department and Chambers County Commissioner James “Moto” Williams they made the trip to Atlanta, Georgia and paired with ACA Gives to retrieve a large portion of the toys.
The Chambers County Wellness Center acted as the “North Pole” and with their staff, LaFayette Main Street, LaFayette Fire Department, they were able to organize and separate the toys for each family based off their reported needs.
“The feedback from this event has been wonderful. We had a family ask us to step inside and they delivered a very powerful prayer for our officers,” said Williams.” He addid, “ We had a family that did not speak English very well but as one of the children joyfully lifted up each and every toy that she received to show it off to her Grandmother, in that moment we did not need to speak the same language to understand one another.”
