10/08/2026
Denton Wilson has spent part of his fall break working on a project geared at helping other kids. He chose to share his backpack project with the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office.
Denton, age 11, said he wants to help kids who need something to feel excited about while in the midst of a bad situation.
“I want kids to know someone cares,” he said. “I want them to feel excited, proud and joyful.”
His goal for the backpacks is for them to be distributed to those in need of comfort and encouragement. The backpacks contain items ranging from stuffed animals, bubbles & snacks to socks, toothbrushes, notebooks & more. Denton also added a special note of encouragement inside each of the backpacks.
Captain David Cribley said he is impressed to see someone so young with a sincere concern for other kids.
“It’s obvious that Denton has a servant’s heart, and we’re appreciative that he chose to share his project with our detectives and deputies at the HCSO,” Cribley stated.
Pictured with Denton and his mom Melissa Wilson, are Captain David Cribley and Det. Sgt. Pamela Phillips.