OKEECHOBEE – Trot for Toys, an annual fundraiser for Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Shop With A Cop program, had a beautiful day for a trail ride on Dec. 18.

The event included a trail ride through the Grassy Island area, which has been marked with trails for mountain biking and horseback riding, a poker run, a hog roast luncheon and drawings for prizes.

In addition to making a $20 donation, each participant also brought a new unwrapped toy. One hundred and four toys were donated. The toys will be given out by members of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office when they encounter children in distress. Participants also donated three packs of socks for officers to give to those in need.

Riders in the poker run (both on bicycles and horseback) drew cards at five points along the route, then had a chance to trade in two cards at the end. The best hand won the prize.

The event raised $2,000 for the Shop With A Cop program, in which law enforcement officers are paired up with low income children for a holiday shopping spree.

Since Trot for Toys was held after the 2022 Shop With A Cop event, the funds will go towards the 2023 Shop With A Cop program,