With Christmas quickly approaching, the departments in the city of Russellville that are participating in the fourth annual Helping Santa program are asking for the community’s support in making this year’s Christmas a memorable one for area children.
Russellville Fire Department Capt. Randy Seal, who is coordinating the program, and said they still have a ways to go before they can fulfill the needs of the over 400 children who are signed up to receive gifts this year.
“I know this a hard time for people to give and I know there are other efforts to help children this Christmas, but we want to make sure we are able to provide gifts to these 400 kids who deserve to have a special Christmas this year,” Seal said. “We really count on the community to help us make this possible.”
Seal said they are still in need of donations of new or slightly used toys, especially for the ages of boys and girls ages newborn to three and ages 10 to 15.
“And if you don’t have time to shop for toys or don’t have any you can give, we will gladly accept monetary donations so they we can buy toys or bicycles,” he said.
In years past, the program was mainly open to children living within the city limits of Russellville since the program is sponsored by the city’s departments, and children outside the city limits were allowed to participate as toys were available.
This year, the city decided to include tornado victims as well.
“For these people affected by the tornado, buying toys for Christmas is probably close to the bottom of the list of needs for someone who lost everything they had,” Seal said. “We want them to be able to have a good Christmas this year just like everyone else. That’s another reason why it’s important we receive enough toys to give out this year.”
Pick-up days for gifts will be Dec. 19 for those living inside the city limits of Russellville, Dec. 20 for tornado victims, and Dec. 21 for those living in the county but outside the city limits.
Anyone who would like to make donations of new or slightly used toys can drop the toys off in the Helping Santa boxes located at the following businesses and locations: Russellville City Hall, Ralph C. Bishop Community Center, Chucky Mullins Center, Russellville Police Department, Russellville Fire Department Stations 1 and 2, Russellville Street Department, Dependable True Value, Country Cottage Assisted Living, Hibbetts Sporting Goods, Fred’s, Five Star Pizza, Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone, Alabama Central Credit Union, First Metro Bank, Valley State Bank, Community Spirit Bank, CB&S Bank, Valley Credit Union, Trikes Unlimited, Jack’s Restaurant, Wal-Mart, O’Riley Auto Parts, Peebles, CVS, Drug Shop, Family Pharmacy and Hometown Pharmacy.
Monetary donations can be made at any of the banks included in the list.
“We’ve had great community support for this program in the past and we hope the community will continue to step up this year to help those in need,” Seal said.
For questions or for further information, contact the RFD at 256-332-8761 or 256-332-8711 or the Sgt. Linda Michaels at the Russellville Police Department at 256-332-2230.