A few months ago the parents of Deputy Wesley Atha started a community campaign to raise funds to purchase vests for the deputies employed by the Newton County Sheriff's Department. The goal of this campaign is $113,000. So far, the good folks of Newton County have raised $62,434 to that end.

You too can make a tax deductible contribution to this great cause by sending what you can to NCSO c/o of Apryle Jones, 15151 Alcovy Road, Covington, Ga. 30014.

Having our deputies protected with the best technology would be a great Christmas gift - for all of us.