The Christmas season arrived with smiles and warm wishes in Chattooga County as the Sheriff’s Office delivered gift baskets to seniors at Oakview Health and Rehab in Summerville this week, along with dozens more to homebound residents across the county.

Sheriff Mark A. Schrader said the annual visit to Oakview is a highlight for staff each year.

“Everyone at the office looks forward to this day. We get to deliver Christmas gift baskets to the residents of Oakview Health and Rehab in Summerville,” Schrader said. “It’s a blessing to us to be able to deliver them. Thank you to all who help, wrap and deliver these gifts and thank you to the staff of Oakview for their help!!”

In addition to the nursing home deliveries, deputies and volunteers also took baskets to seniors who are unable to get out, reaching residents enrolled in the Sheriff’s Department Seniors Check Program.

Deputy Ken Anderson said the team delivered baskets throughout the county and thanked everyone who helped make the effort possible.

“Had a great time today delivering Christmas baskets to seniors that’s on our Sheriff’s Dept Seniors check program,” Anderson said. “We delivered over 37 baskets throughout the county. Thanks to our Chaplain Joel Smith for helping today and all the ladies at the office and Sheriff Mark Schrader for making this possible.”

The deliveries brought holiday encouragement to some of the county’s elderly residents, reminding seniors they are seen, valued, and not forgotten during the season.