Donald J. Hill, Sheriff
These last few weeks have been very harsh weather wise here in Polk County. Not only did we see a substantial snowfall but temperatures as of late have struggled to reach above freezing and wind chills have hovered around zero.
As you all know the Polk County Sheriffs Office does a fund for the needy at Christmas and we want to express our appreciation to those who contributed this year. As we have been out in the community we have encountered a staggering need for heat. We have visited homes in the last few weeks that have had no heat whatsoever. Imagine having to brace these frigid outdoor temperatures with no relief when you go inside your home.
The sheriffs office is now starting a coat and blanket drive for those who have such needs this winter. We are looking for coats and blankets in good condition for donations. We will then issue these out to those in our community in need. Kerosene and electric heater donations are appreciated as well. Donations may be dropped off at our office, the Tryon Fire Department and White Oak Manor in Tryon.
Our focus is to first help our at-risk citizens; our elderly, those with medical conditions and those with small children, who otherwise could not afford such needed items.
I want to personally extend my appreciation to Pure Country, White Oak Manor of Tryon and Scott Myers and our friends at Tryon Estates who have already donated blankets, coats and kerosene heaters to the cause.
We are also indebted to Harold Burrell and the staff at Burrells Fuel, Prince Companies and Khalid AbudAdas and the staff at Royalty Food Store in Tryon. They have made deliveries and provided those in need with fuel oil and kerosene fuel these last few days. Without their help many would still be suffering.
Monetary donations are welcome as well. We have almost depleted our fund for the needy and were benefited by a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation to help those in need during the holiday season as well. However, with the economy we found that we had many more requests than normal and although we have almost spent all the money we still are receiving calls from those in desperate need.
We also realize that there are those out there in need that we do not know about. If you are aware of someone in need please contact Kim Pack or myself as soon as possible so that we may attempt to get them the assistance they need. Of course should anyone have questions about this, please feel free to call or stop by.
In service together.

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