Worn-out uniforms from the Clay County Sheriff's Office are getting new lives as teddy bears and wreaths.
Ever since Special Projects Analyst Debbie Garrett made the first wreath in her spare time, Clay County deputies bring their worn-out uniforms right to her office.
"A lot of the uniforms, they're no longer usable. They can't be reissued. They're worn out," said Garrett.
The old uniforms used to go to the landfill.
Now, Kit Peterson transforms most of the items herself; she recently retired after working for 10 years at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our members are really embracing this. It gives them an opportunity to show some pride in their performance and their service to the county,” said Peterson.
The items symbolize not just their service, but their sacrifice.
The very first bear was given to the child of a fallen Clay County deputy.
“One of our members mentioned that he really, really wanted a bear because he’s being deployed next year. So, I’m going to make sure he gets a bear,” said Peterson.
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The uniforms that would have gone to waste are now helping local children.
All the proceeds from the wreaths and bears go to the Clay County Police Athletic League.
For now, only Sheriff’s Office employees can buy them because the agency cannot sell or distribute law enforcement patches.
Peterson said she and the handful of employees who create the bears and wreaths are working to find a solution.
Action News Jax will let you know as soon as the items are available for the public to purchase.