Wheeler County Gives Back for Christmas

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After a year of recovery and growth, Wheeler County citizens came together to support those in need this Christmas, as they collected toys, clothes, and other needed items for the Refuge Domestic Violence Shelter in Vidalia.

2025 brought a new sheriff to Wheeler County, and he has worked throughout the year to protect, serve, and provide for the community. At the beginning of November, Sheriff Glenn Giles announced that the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office was seeking the community’s help to collect items continued from page

to give to The Refuge – a domestic violence shelter that provides safety and comfort for women and children escaping abusive relationships – during the Christmas season.

“I’ve personally visited The Refuge, and it’s an amazing place. The staff go above and beyond to make sure every family feels safe, cared for, and supported during such a difficult time,” he remarked. “It’s a resource available to Wheeler County residents who may one day need a safe place to turn. It takes incredible courage to leave an abusive situation, and we want our community to know this help is here. And most importantly — we want to help make sure every child spending Christmas at The Refuge wakes up to a special morning.”

For several weeks, citizens delivered numerous donations – such as toys, GoodNites bedwetting pullups, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, clothing, and cleaning supplies – to the Wheeler County Courthouse and Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office. “Every donation makes a difference!” Giles emphasized.

Giles said that he was overwhelmed at the amount of donations, which were delivered to the Refuge on December 19. “Wheeler County, you have shown up and shown out for the Sheriff's Office toy/needed items drive,” he commented. “Chief Deputy [Jesse] Webb and I delivered these items to the Refuge this morning, and they were extremely grateful for every item they received.”

He then addressed the citizens who donated. “I cannot say ‘thank you’ enough to everyone for your overwhelming support for this project. I didn't get to speak to everyone that dropped items off, but know that I personally thank each of you for your kindness,” Giles assured.

The Refuge Domestic Violence Shelter Executive Director Betty Dell Williams also spoke about the donation. “We are so very appreciative for all of the items donated and to everyone who gave,” she said. “Wheeler County, you are amazing. Merry Christmas to all!”