RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office continued its annual Secret Santa tradition this holiday season, as anonymous donors known as “Secret Santa” and “Mrs. Claus” provided patrol deputies with cash donations to distribute to residents in need. The discreet gifts, delivered by deputies during their regular duties, helped bring unexpected holiday relief to families and individuals across the county in the days leading up to Christmas.
Midnight shift Sgt. Scott Parker said he was at Walmart on Rutherford Boulevard when he noticed Jaqueline Salazar and her daughter, Aubrielle, 12, of Murfreesboro. “The daughter had a piece of paper she was unfolding and it had a long list with a bunch of numbers on it like they were budgeting for something,” Parker said. “I approached her and just had a conversation with her. I found out she just moved here from out of state and money was tight.”
Parker gave the mother the envelope with money and took a photo of them. When she looked in the envelope, she asked if she could hug him. “I turned around, gave her a hug and told her to have a blessed night and a wonderful Christmas,” Parker said.
Sgt. Robert Horne said day shift deputies pooled their cash to support three families who experienced medical and financial hardships.
Deputy Christopher Mager delivered a donation to 12-year-old Remy Peterson the day she returned home from Vanderbilt Medical Center after a medical emergency.
Deputy Natalie Woodward and Field Training Officer Gabriel Commodore delivered funds to Caitlin Daly. Her husband is deployed with the Tennessee National Guard. They have four children, Wilder, Walker, Aria, and Wade. Scroll down to see the photo.
Deputy Charles Fann delivered the third donation to Antonio and Ashley Sanchez whose 2-year-old son, Maverick, is being treated for leukemia at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Deputy Michael Bennett noticed a family with an older son and a baby. He decided to present son Kingston Brazier, 11, with Secret Santa’s stash. “Honestly, he looked like a good kid,” Bennett said.
The deputies thank Secret Santa and Mrs. Claus for sharing their gifts.
