After weeks of anticipation, shopping and wrapping gifts, school and church programs, decorating and cooking, Christmas arrives Wednesday, Dec. 25.
Due to the holiday being on our usual publication day, The Franklin Press will publish early this week. Our office will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Wednesday, Jan. 1 for the New Year’s holiday.
Merry Christmas from all of us here at The Franklin Press!
Holiday closings
• Town of Franklin administrative offices will be closed Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 24-26 for Christmas.
• Macon County government offices will be closed Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 24-26.
• The Macon County Public Library will be closed Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 24-26.
• The Macon County Senior Center will be closed Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 24-26.
• The Franklin Press will be closed
Shop with a Cop
Dozens of children joined law enforcement officers and firefighters at the Franklin Walmart on Thursday, Dec. 19, for the annual Shop with a Cop. Organized by Macon County Sheriff’s Office and in its 28th year, kids get to pick out presents up to a $200 limit. While they are shopping, each child is asked to pick out a present for someone else.
MCSO raised over $40,000 for the shopping spree for 233 kids. The event benefits local children in need. Donations sometimes come in later and it’s not unusual for other shoppers to see what’s happening and donate on the spot.
Along with the MCSO was the Franklin Police Department, N.C. State Highway Patrol, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and N.C. State Bureau of Investigation. Highlands Police Department does its own Shop with a Cop event.
Most kids focus on the toy aisle, asking their designated adult how much certain items cost and weighing decisions in their head. Some kids lead their shoppers over to the fishing aisle or electronics, while others go to the clothing section.
“It’s just a true testament to our community, our community stands together, to say the least,” said Macon County Sheriff Brent Holbrooks. “This is all donation-based, so this is not taxpayer dollars.”