Operation Secret Surprise well received in Boiling Springs

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

Boiling Springs Police Officer Anthony Fields and Chief Brian DiYorio at Operation Secret Surprise, in the Boiling springs Town Hall. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent

When a child wants to give their parents a Christmas gift, it holds a special meaning that a child takes the time to think of their parents during the holiday season.

That’s why Officer Anthony Fields and the Boiling Springs Police Department held their first ever “Operation Secret Surprise,” a parent-child event, held this past Thursday, at The Boiling Springs Town Hall. The police operation involved dozens of parents and their children.

Displayed are some of the gift items donated by Dollar General for the event.

Officer Anthony Fields took time to explain the event in detail, stating, “We decided about three weeks ago this would be something good to do for the community. We contacted the local elementary schools to let them know what we were doing, and the reaction has been very positive. We’re thankful the Boiling Springs community has come together for this to help kids pick out Christmas gifts for their parents.”

(Operation Secret Surprise continued below...)

The room was full of parents and children, as Boiling Springs Police Department officers, other town employees, and volunteer students from CCC’s early college assisted in helping attendees search through assorted items that were donated by local Dollar General stores.

“We’re excited to help out the community any time we can,” added Boiling Springs Police Chief Brian DiYorio. “Thank you to Dollar General for making these donations. When you can see a kid's eyes and smile brighten up it really makes a difference and that’s what it’s all about. We appreciate the community’s support with this event.”

This year’s operation Secret Surprise was the first year for Boiling Springs, while they have also been participating in Shop with a Cop for over a decade. See separate news article for that event.

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.