CAMBRIDGE – Even for those past believing in Santa Claus, it still holds true that every child deserves something special to make his or her eyes light up on Christmas.

But for many Dorchester County youngsters, families struggling to stay afloat financially are too strapped to provide even a little holiday magic for their little ones.

That sad but true fact is well known and has been witnessed close up by the county’s longstanding law enforcement officer, Sheriff James Phillips Jr.

Years ago, Phillips got an idea to help bring Christmas smiles to needy kids. The abandoned bikes his department regularly found and collected would be transformed into refurbished riding treasures.

At the start, about 20 youngsters were treated to the joy of receiving a “new” bike for Christmas, plus a box of food for their family. Over the years, the idea expanded into the popular “Shop with a Cop” partnership between local law enforcement agencies and area Walmart stores, with pivotal help provided by community-minded organizations.

That’s where local philanthropist Paul Baiers, owner of Paul’s Subs, who delights in moonlighting as a Crescent Cities Charities “elf,” stepped in.

His organization raises funds by holding bingo games and other events, here and on the Western Shore (cccharities.org). The group fields requests from a variety of civic groups and enterprises, doing its best to grant their wishes.

This season, Sheriff Phillips initially asked CCC for $7,500 to fund its Christmas outreach cause.

Recognizing the increased numbers of kids at risk this Christmas, Baiers interceded, asking the CCC board for $10,000.

That request was granted, and on Dec. 13, Baiers presented a check for the higher amount to Phillips, who accepted with gratitude.

“We’re very pleased that Crescent City Charities does so much to make possible this special Christmas program. It’s very rewarding to have this kind of community support, and great to be able to work with caring people like Paul,” Phillips added.

On Dec. 21, Phillips and his deputies will accompany 50 kids on a special shopping trip to Walmart, where they’ll be able to select their own warm winter coats, clothes and toys that help promote active lifestyles. 

Asked to describe the benefits of the outreach program beyond lifting kids’ spirits, Phillips mentioned that officers being able to spend time doing something positive with kids for a change helps them be viewed as allies instead of adversaries.

“For me, personally, the biggest reward is seeing the looks on the deputies’ faces, and the tears in their eyes, knowing they’ve helped a youngster. When you do the kind of job we do, and see the kinds of things we see, this makes all the difference,” Phillips said.