By Tracie Sullivan, For Iron County Today
The lights were still coming on at Canyon View Middle School when officers began taking their places in the breakfast line.
Kids followed soon after, some still rubbing sleep from their eyes, and one by one they were paired with an officer before stopping for a quick picture with Santa. It was barely past six thirty but the room filled quickly.
The sound of trays, small conversations and the kind of nervous excitement that comes before a big morning carried through the cafeteria.
By 7:10 the convoy was rolling toward Walmart.
Sheriff’s trucks, patrol cars and even a few vehicles borrowed for the county attorney’s office moved through town with lights flashing.
“We grab the sheriff’s cars the night before,” Iron County Attorney Chad Dotson said. “We’re just driving regular cars otherwise, and it’s not as fun for the kids. They want the bells and whistles.”
Inside the store, most groups began in the shoe department. The Elks Lodge covers a new pair for every child, which lets their shopping money stretch further.
Iron County Sheriff Lt. Shawn Peterson said his five-year-old partner chose his shoes and then, without hesitation, grabbed a book he wanted to give his sister.
“That was the part that really stuck with me,” Peterson said. “Here’s this kid with all this money, and the first thing he wants is something for her. I thought that was really cute.”
Dotson saw the same kind of generosity. He and prosecutor Trajan Evans were paired with a six-year-old boy who walked straight to the toy aisle and began picking out Nerf guns and action figures.
“As we’re heading to the wrapping station, he keeps saying, this one is for my brother, this one is for my other brother, this one is for my sister,” Dotson said. “He knew exactly who he was shopping for. It kind of hits you when they’re buying for other people and not just themselves.”
SUU student athletes handled the wrapping station, sorting paper and ribbon while carts continued to roll in.
“Just about every athletic department helps,” Dotson said. “It was a super smooth process and always is because they do such a good job.”
This year each child received about two hundred dollars to spend, a significant increase from previous years.
Cedar City Police Sgt. Kirk Lovell said the final amount was about two hundred twenty-five dollars. Officers used Walmart’s scan-as-you-go app to stay on track.
Dotson said the increasing funds reflects both inflation and the strength of the program.
“I think in years past we only had like $100,” he said. “And now I think we get more in part because of inflation but also because the program has grown so much that we get more money now to spend. There are so many generous people in this community.”
The largest contribution again comes from the Jubilee of Trees, Lovell said.
Their annual donation typically reaches five figures and remains the backbone of the program. They also support the event for several days, help organize fundraising and work behind the scenes to make sure it continues to reach one hundred children.
Lovell had Jubilee coordinator Laura Albrecht with him Saturday morning to video part of the convoy as it headed down Main Street to the south end of town.
“She was in tears,” he said. “Just seeing the line of police cars and knowing the good it does. You can’t help but feel moved.”
The experience also underscored, he said, what the morning represents for Cedar City.
“It’s impressive to live in a community that is willing to step up,” Lovell said. “People volunteer their time. People donate money. Sometimes the donors never even meet the kids they help. Everybody is just excited to do something good.”
Peterson, who shops each year with his wife, said the morning always stays with him long after the last gift is wrapped. “It’s one of those things that reminds you who we are as a community,” he said.
And that’s what keeps everyone coming back.
“It shows the best of our community and it’s one of those things that just re-centers you,” Dotson said. “You feel the Christmas spirit again, and it reminds you what the season is supposed to be.”
The day ended with full carts, tired smiles and nearly one hundred children who will open gifts they might not have received otherwise.
