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Virginia Sheriffs' Institute
Supporting Virginia’s Sheriffs & Deputies

A week before school starts, 25 homeless children will pair up with Sheriff’s deputies to shop for school supplies and clothes at Target in Fairfax, Virginia.  These school-age children currently reside in the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter and Shelter House-Falls Church.

“It is important for all of us that all of our children succeed in school,” observed Kate Hanley.  “The Sheriff’s Office and Target deserve special thanks for making a positive impact on these children and their families.  I am honored to have the opportunity to participate.”

For the past 16 years, the Shop with the Sheriff Program has partnered with Target to help children and their families.  This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, September 1. These days, purchasing back-to-school supplies can be an expensive undertaking when they include computer disks and calculators, crayons, folders, backpacks, and a myriad of writing implements.  Each child will have a list of needed items and a $150 gift certificate to use toward their purchases.

“The Sheriff’s Office is involved in a number of community activities but this is one our favorites,” said Sheriff Stan Barry. “To be able to help children in need start the school year right gives everyone a deep sense of satisfaction.”

Panera Bread and Dunkin Doughnuts in Fairfax City have generously agreed to co-sponsor this event by providing breakfast to the staff and kids before they go on their back-to-school shopping spree.

The Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter and Shelter House-Falls Church provide a safe, temporary home for families, where they can receive help to assess their needs and develop a plan to locate permanent housing as quickly as possible. The shelters are an integral part of the county’s 10-year plan to end homelessness.