The Washington Police Department will again sponsor its annual "Gifts for Children" campaign this Christmas. "Christmas time is a wonderful time for many families; however, there are families that are in such poverty, they cannot afford to purchase gifts for their children at Christmas time," said Assistant Chief of Police Theodosia Glenn.

The Christmas season is rapidly approaching and the officers of the Washington Police Department are committed to making the 2008 campaign brighter for children in the area.

The "Gift for Children" program is dependent on donations from the community. Donations of toys, gifts, and money will be accepted at any time at the Police Department on Spring Street, across from City Hall. If donations need to be picked up, call 706-678-3244.

The highlight of the campaign each year is the appearance of Santa Claus in person when he hands out gifts to children who have submitted their preference in advance. Plans this year call for Santa to be at the Washington Police Department on Tuesday, December 23, from 9 a.m.-noon to distribute gifts to the children on his list.

A form for submitting the names of needy children and their first three choices for gifts is provided below.

All requests must be mailed or delivered to the Police Department no later than Friday, December 19. Requests being made by mail should be mailed early enough to ensure delivery no later than Dec. 19.

Regrettably, requests received after December 19 will not be honored. Also, requests coming from outside the city limits of Washington will be considered, but first priority will go to those from inside the city. Requests that are duplicated with other organizations such as Angel Tree will not be accepted.

"Last year's contributions were exceptional," Glenn said. "The support received from civic organizations, local merchants, and individuals made them the real heroes for local children. We just hope we can do even better this year. Once again, we are asking for everyone's help in this very important project. Our less fortunate children are very special and in the true spirit of Christmas, please give generously to this most worthy cause. Thank you to all and Merry Christmas."