Sheriff's office, Boys and Girls Club launch Gillette Memorial Book Drive in honor of fallen deputy

With the holidays around the corner, Sumter County Sheriff's Office is looking to turn the page - literally - on gift giving in honor of one of its fallen deputies.

Sumter County Sheriff's Office, along with the help of the Boys and Girls Club of Sumter and Marie Gillette, launched a library for the club in memory of the late Cpl. Andrew Gillette.

In February 2020, Gillette was killed in the line of duty while serving a warrant. He was only 36.

"This Christmas I am partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Sumter for a book and toy drive in honor of Andrew. Everyone that knew Andrew knew how passionate he was about reading. I would like to share this passion and start a library for these children," Marie said.

The community is encouraged to assist in filling this library with pages of literary wonder. There is a registry titled A Gillette Memorial Boys & Girls Club Book/Toy Drive on Amazon, filled with a variety of books and toys that have been preselected. A number of them have been purchased, but there are still many more to choose from. Purchase the book or gift of your choice, and it will be shipped to the collection site. To view the list or purchase, visit tinyurl.com/2j8tp2n7.

For those who would like to provide a specific book to the library or toy that was not included on the list, the sheriff's office will be collecting items at its office at 1281 N. Main St. All books will be delivered to the club and toys will be given to the children in early December.

Sheriff Anthony Dennis shared his excitement about the book/toy drive, stating, "When we invest in the next generation, we have a part in shaping their future."