The Chilton County Fraternal Order of Police, Smith-Dale Lodge 31 is now accepting both applications and donations for its sixth annual Operation: Santa Claus.

This program was designed to provided toys to children, 15 years and younger, who would otherwise have little or nothing to open on Christmas morning. Over the past five years, Operation: Santa Claus has helped almost 1,500 kids enjoy the simple pleasure of unwrapping a gift.

With the economy as uncertain as it is, the high cost of heating fuels and gas and the effects these have on the cost of other goods, the Smith-Dale Lodge is expecting a larger number of applications. With the increase in applications, it is hoped there will also be an increase in donations.

Last year, Operation Santa Claus only collected around $10,000 but was able to help more than 300 children. Several hundred also had to be denied assistance due to the lack of funds.

The Chilton County Fraternal Order of the Police hopes every business, church, organization and individual will do all they can to make this Christmas season joyful for these special children in Chilton County. Anyone desiring to make a donation may send a check or money order to Operation: Santa Claus, P.O. Box 2332, Clanton, AL 35046.

Applications for assistance can be picked up an/or turned in at the Chilton County Jail, the local food stamp office and the Department of Human Resources.

For more information, contact John Shearon at 755-6261, Warren Garris at 755-4698 or Jay Edwards at 389-1410.

– Brent Maze can be reached at brent.maze@clantonadvertiser.com.