The Richland County Sheriff’s Department raised over $1,800 in a single day this year
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.
FOR THE FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) were out in force ringing the bells for the Salvation Army from 10:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. at the northeast Columbia location of Walmart, Thursday, Dec. 4: Sheriff Lott’s shift, which also included deputies regularly featured on the hit TV series On Patrol: LIVE, was from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
“This has become a regular Christmas tradition for us since 2021,” said Lott, who prior to the 2023 Kettle Campaign received the Salvation Army Bell-Ringer Commendation Award after his RCSD set fund-raising records in 2021 and 2022. “We love it. Shoppers love it. Kids love it. And that’s what it’s all about: Bringing as much cheer as possible into the lives of others.”
Lott adds: “It’s also interesting seeing how many people give and who gives. Nearly everyone gives. Everyone wants to give.”
Giving indeed. Lott’s RCSD also set single-day fund-raising records in 2023 and 2024. This year, RCSD raised a total $1,861.42 in a single day. Is that number a record as in previous years? The tallies have yet to be finalized – and won’t be until after Christmas – but any amount above $500.00 is considered “a very good day,” according to Salvation Army officials.
– A Midlands-area family is pictured with Sheriff Leon Lott and RCSD Sgt. Bryce Hughes ringing the bells earlier this month. In the background is Salvation Army Major Mark Craddock.
