Donations from the community are coming in for the Washington Police Department's annual "Gifts for Children" campaign this season.

Organizers say that donations from the community make the department's annual Gift for Children program possible. "Last year's contributions were exceptional," Assistant Chief Theodosia Glenn said. "The support that we received from civic organizations, local merchants, and individuals made them the real heroes for local children."

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.

All requests must be mailed or delivered to the Police Department no later than Friday, December 11. 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."