The Chilton County United Way gave its yearly allocation of $2,000 to the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office for its Operation Santa Claus initiative during a check presentation on Oct. 23.

According to deputy Warren Garris, who heads up Operation Santa Claus, the monetary donation will go toward buying Christmas gifts for children of families that would otherwise be unable to do so.

The toys will be handed out during an event at the FOP lodge at 963 Keystone Drive.

A definitive time has not yet been set for this year’s toy giveaway, but Garris said that it typically takes place about a week before Christmas.

Santa Claus will be at the toy giveaway and will be reading stories and singing songs with the kids.

“It’s worth it, or else we wouldn’t have been doing it for so long,” Garris said.

Applications of children in need are being accepted until Nov. 15.

Members of the community can also get involved by donating money or new toys to help with the cause.

Checks can be made out to FOP or Operation Santa Claus at P.O. Box 2332, Clanton 35046.