In a few days, about 400 families encountering financial difficulty will receive a bit of Christmas cheer, thanks to donations from local citizens and efforts by local law enforcement, businesses and other volunteers.
This year marks the ninth that the Statesboro Police, Bulloch County Sheriff's Department, Wal-Mart SuperCenter and Distribution Center and others have joined forces with the U.S. Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" campaign to help families in need have a merry Christmas.
For families dealing with challenges this year that could hamper their holidays, applications for assistance are available at the Statesboro Police Department and Bulloch County Sheriff's Department.
For others, the chance to take part in helping these families is available at a number of local drop box locations where new, unwrapped toys can be donated.
In the past eight years, the combined efforts of "Christmas in the 'Boro and the County" has helped provide toys for children and a family dinner for about 2,000 families, according to Wal-Mart Community Coordinator Steve champion. "We hope to help approximately 300 to 400 families this year."
Each year, volunteers from local businesses and organizations, including the local law enforcement agencies, take part in a motorcade featuring Santa Claus riding in a patrol car, blue lights flashing. Food and toys are delivered to the families who qualified for assistance, and emotions ride high as the gifts are received with appreciation and excitement.
Families applying for assistance will need to turn in applications no later than Dec. 8 by 3 p.m., he said. "We ask that applications be turned in as soon as possible due to resource and manpower constraints."
Those wishing to donate can drop off toys at the following locations: Kmart; Statesboro Police Department; Bulloch County Sheriff's Department; Coca Cola Plant; Franklin Chevrolet; Franklin Toyota; GSU Nessmith Lane building; Wal-Mart Supercenter; Big Lots; Dollar General; Wal-Mart Distribution Center; Dollar Tree; and Wachovia bank.
For more information, including information on how to help, contact one or more of the following: USMC Chief Warrant Officer Willie Haynes, Retired, (912) 656-2830; Tina Greenshaw, Statesboro Police, (912) 764-9911; Sgt. Danny Tremble, Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, (912) 764-8888; or Champion at (912) 489-1910, extension 185.
This year marks the ninth that the Statesboro Police, Bulloch County Sheriff's Department, Wal-Mart SuperCenter and Distribution Center and others have joined forces with the U.S. Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" campaign to help families in need have a merry Christmas.
For families dealing with challenges this year that could hamper their holidays, applications for assistance are available at the Statesboro Police Department and Bulloch County Sheriff's Department.
For others, the chance to take part in helping these families is available at a number of local drop box locations where new, unwrapped toys can be donated.
In the past eight years, the combined efforts of "Christmas in the 'Boro and the County" has helped provide toys for children and a family dinner for about 2,000 families, according to Wal-Mart Community Coordinator Steve champion. "We hope to help approximately 300 to 400 families this year."
Each year, volunteers from local businesses and organizations, including the local law enforcement agencies, take part in a motorcade featuring Santa Claus riding in a patrol car, blue lights flashing. Food and toys are delivered to the families who qualified for assistance, and emotions ride high as the gifts are received with appreciation and excitement.
Families applying for assistance will need to turn in applications no later than Dec. 8 by 3 p.m., he said. "We ask that applications be turned in as soon as possible due to resource and manpower constraints."
Those wishing to donate can drop off toys at the following locations: Kmart; Statesboro Police Department; Bulloch County Sheriff's Department; Coca Cola Plant; Franklin Chevrolet; Franklin Toyota; GSU Nessmith Lane building; Wal-Mart Supercenter; Big Lots; Dollar General; Wal-Mart Distribution Center; Dollar Tree; and Wachovia bank.
For more information, including information on how to help, contact one or more of the following: USMC Chief Warrant Officer Willie Haynes, Retired, (912) 656-2830; Tina Greenshaw, Statesboro Police, (912) 764-9911; Sgt. Danny Tremble, Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, (912) 764-8888; or Champion at (912) 489-1910, extension 185.