Sumter Sheriff's Office builds bonds 1 lunch tray at a time at Rafting Creek

Lunch at Rafting Creek Elementary School was extra special on March 19.

Sumter County Sheriff's Office paid a visit to the smiling students during lunchtime as part of the school's "Lunch Buddies" program. According to TheLINK Economic Development Alliance, the program began in 2023 and pairs elementary school students with community leaders and career professionals for mentoring and career exploration "while chatting and chewing." A number of Sumter County employees visit Rafting Creek every month to participate in the program.

According to Mark Bordeaux, public information officer for the sheriff's office, the deputies and students shared smiles and laughter while discovering that despite the differences in their day-to-day endeavors, they have a lot in common.

"They have so much of their lives ahead of them, and we try to encourage them and bring a smile whenever we can," said Sheriff Anthony Dennis.

Many deputies are parents and even grandparents themselves, making it easy to connect with the young students. Bordeaux said it was hard to tell who was having more fun: the students or the deputies.

"Our hearts are always touched when we encounter children," Dennis expressed.