By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

As thoughts turn to spreading Christmas cheer, the Town of Maplesville is holding its annual Toys for Kids drive.

Applications are being accepted until Nov. 30. Donations are being accepted until Dec. 9.

Those applying need to pick up an application at the town hall. Organizer Cindy Brown asked that applications be brought to the town hall on Tuesdays. When returning the application, parents will need bring a birth certificate for each child, recent check stubs for the parents and documentation from their food stamps, if they receive them.

There is a $2 application fee.

“The $2 application fee goes directly toward the purchasing of toys,” Brown said.

The Toys for Kids program has been an annual event since 1992.

“Last year, we served 35 families and 95 children,” Brown said.

Donations are being accepted to meet the need this year. Monetary donations and new or like-new toys are being accepted at the town hall. Brown said donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Volunteers will go Christmas shopping for the children in the program using the donated funds.

“It’s a rewarding program because some really can’t afford to give” their children gifts at Christmas time, Brown said.

United Way, a long-time supporter of the program, donated $637 to this year’s toy drive.

Brown said there are many stores and businesses that support the program, along with residents of the community.

“It’s really a community effort,” brown said.

These efforts stretch beyond the town’s geographical boundaries.

“Our main focus, of course, is the kids in Maplesville, but we do serve families and children in surrounding areas,” Brown said.

Once all of the toys are purchased, volunteers will divide them into bags for each family. Brown said the parents will pick up the toys on Dec. 16 between 8 a.m. and noon.

Maplesville Town Hall is located at 9400 Al Hwy 22.

For more information, contact Brown at 334-366-4211.