Some 600 children need the community’s help in making their Christmases bright.
Stephanie Walker with the area’s Operation Christmas Child program said the program benefits children age 3-14 from Brewton, East Brewton and Flomaton areas by providing clothing and toys for the holiday season.
Currently, there are 300 angels up for adoption at the Brewton Walmart angel tree.
“We are very lucky in that the Kiwanis Club and the Sportsman Club sponsor more than 200 each year,” Walker said. “What we really, really need help with is purchasing toys for children who are six or older. Everyone wants to buy a baby doll or a basketball, but it would benefit the program so much more, if people could buy toys for the older children.”
Each child is provided with new clothes, a new book and a toy as part of the program.
“We want to make sure that the children go back to school at the New Year with new clothes and a great feeling,” Walker said. “Around September, we send out letters asking for donations from the local community. People are very generous. We use that money to purchase the clothes.
“If you see someone at Walmart with a black garbage bag, they’re shopping for Operation Christmas Child,” she said. “We would like to ask that people give what they can and pick up a toy for a child.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Brewton Chamber of Commerce on Douglas Avenue.
For more information about becoming a volunteer or making a donation, contact Walker at 251.236.0733.
Parents were notified by mail if their child was selected as part of the program. Deadline for donations is Dec. 12.