Asst. Chief Theodosia Glenn and Lt. J.D. Nelson help Santa each year as they prepare to give out toys to some 250 local children. To ease the suffering of some local families at Christmas, the Washington Police Department will again sponsor its annual "Gifts for Children" campaign this season.

"Christmas time is a wonderful time for many families," said Assistant Chief Theodosia Glenn. "However, there are families that are in such poverty they cannot afford to purchase gifts for their children. The Christmas season is rapidly approaching and the officers of the Washington Police Department are committed to making the 2009 campaign brighter for children in the area."

Donations from the community make the department's annual Gifts for Children program possible. "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."

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, Glenn said.

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 preferences in advance.

Plans this year call for Santa to be at the Washington Police Department on Wednesday, December 23, from 9 a.m. to 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 printed below.

All requests must be mailed or delivered to the Police Department no later than Friday, December 18. Requests being made by mail should be mailed early enough to ensure delivery no later than December 11.

"Regrettably, requests received after December 11 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," the assistant chief said. "Requests that are duplicated with other organizations such as Angel Tree will not be accepted."

Glenn said that civic organizations, local merchants, and individuals have always stepped up to help the children. "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."