On Wednesday night, at Walmart Supercenter in Sparks, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office held its 23rd annual "Shop with the Sheriff" event.

On Wednesday night, at Walmart Supercenter in Sparks, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office held its 23rd annual "Shop with the Sheriff" event.

The event, which supports 250 local kids who get to shop with volunteers for Christmas gifts, is a collaboration between the WCSO and its partners, who raised over $62,000 to give the children and their families a special holiday experience. 

766 kids were nominated this year, double last year and years prior. Over 60 schools and non-profits submitted referrals. We spoke with Sheriff Darin Balaam about the event.

"We come together to make sure that these kids, these families know that they are cared about and that they have just as much of a merry Christmas as the rest of us," he said. "Because that's what Christmas is about, is giving and taking care of others." 

He says it wouldn't be possible without the partners and volunteers, and that the Sheriff's Office is thankful to Walmart for hosting.

They also provided the families with a take-home turkey dinner and gave the kids a night they won't forget. 

"We are going to shop with the kids to make sure that they have a very merry Christmas and let them know that this community cares about them. So, we're going to share a lot of laughter, a lot of smiles, and have a lot of fun."

Volunteers showed up early in the afternoon to get paired with a child, take them through the store, and get a picture with Santa. 

"To see that they're smiling, they're laughing, they're having a good time, and knowing just that feeling that we are giving back and we are making a difference. That's what I love," said Balaam.