On December 12th, 2016, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office will be surprising some unsuspecting citizens with Christmas presents.  The Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office and the Sallisaw Police Department [pictured above] spent an evening shopping for children’s Christmas presents with funds donated in honor of George Sanders [pictured below].  George Sanders was a volunteer for the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office and passed away in September of 2016.  The family of George Sanders requested that instead of any flowers being sent for the funeral, all friends, family, and community members instead donate to the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office Toy Fund.  The County has received enough funds this year to purchase 359 Christmas presents.  For their Santa Stops, on December 12th, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, the Sallisaw Police Department, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will be pulling over citizens who may think they’re receiving a ticket.  However, these agencies will be trading out a citation for a child’s Christmas gift.

In an interview with THE MIX 105.1, Sheriff Ron Lockhart spoke of George Sanders, “I knew him for 50 years.  He ran for Sheriff back in 1988. He was very interested in law enforcement, and helped us on stake outs and everything. I traveled many miles with him.”

The Sequoyah County area is extremely grateful for the monetary donations and is looking forward to bringing a little cheer to the children of the county with their Santa Stops.