American Legion Post 6 and Richland County Sheriff's Department spread Christmas cheer to teenagers
Story & photos by Scott Bell, Member of American Legion Post #6

(L- r) Bernie Shealy, Sheriff Leon Lott, and Larry Crowe talk about the spring fishing trip for the children of Epworth.

Members of American Legion Post #6, Sheriff Leon Lott, the Richland County Sheriff 's Department's Explorer Program, and Bernie Shealy brought Christmas cheer to 40 teenagers living at the Epworth Children's Home .

Bosie Martin, a member of the Sons of the American Legion at Post #6 came up with the idea of doing something for the teenagers at Epworth 12 years ago.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott was one of the first people Martin enlisted to support the program.

The influence of Lott and his deputies led seven teenagers at Epworth to join the Richland County Sheriff's Office Explorer Program.

"The program encourages them and helps them understand they can do anything they set their minds to," said Deputy Lance Adams who heads the Explorer Program. "As police officers, we see the type of leadership needed to take a stand in these kids' lives. We offer them an opportunity to make something of themselves.

Bernie Shealy, who owns Bernie's Chickens, also played a major role. At the age of 10, Shealy remembers his father, a Sgt. Maj. in the Army who died while the family was stationed in Italy. "That loss was something I'll never forget," said Shealy. "It was a no- brainer when Bosie asked me 12 years ago if I would be interested in helping these kids," said Shealy. Shealy added, "God's let me live the American dream and to touch these kids' lives is enjoyable and something I want to do."

Besides climbing into police vehicles and enjoying Bernie's Chicken, the 40 Epworth teenagers received gift bags filled with a variety of items purchased by Post #6's Sons of the American Legion.

Larry Crowe of Columbia, a retired S.C. National Guardsman and member of the Post, helped obtain donations to fill the gift bags. "This is one of my favorite times of the year here at the Post," said Crowe. We enjoyed doing this so much that three years ago we decided to add a fishing trip for these kids each spring. We want them to know they are important and cared about," said Crowe.

The Epworth Children's Home was established in 1895 by the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Methodist Church and chartered by the Act of the South Carolina General Assembly as Epworth Orphanage. Epworth is located on 30+ acres at 2900 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC. Those wishing to help make this Christmas a special one for the children living at Epworth may call 256-7394 or send donations to 2900 Millwood Avenue, Post Office Box 50466 , Columbia, South Carolina 29250. www.epworthchildrenshome. org/ech_who.html.