By Joe Baker

Toys for Karnes County Tots volunteers are gearing up to help Santa bring smiles to the faces of local children this Christmas season.

It began in 2000 as local program to bring toys and meals to the homes of local children who might not otherwise have a very bright Christmas. That year the program brought holiday cheer to 80 families and 185 children and in following years it grew to serve 200 families and 600+ kids in 2003.

Lately though, there has been a decline. In 2005, 200 families were served but the number of children receiving toys has dropped to 520.

And that’s why volunteers are hoping they will see an increase in donations this year.

Donations of new toys will be collected at Wal-Mart (see schedule below for dates and times) and volunteers will also collect toys and donations at 16 locations across Karnes County (see list below)

Monetary donations can be sent to: Toys for Karnes County Tots, 103 E. Calvert, Karnes City, TX 78118.

Santa and other volunteers will climb aboard local fire trucks and will make deliveries of the gifts on Thursday, Dec. 21.

The deadline that names can be submitted for gift delivery is Friday Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. To add a child’s name to the delivery list call 780-3525 or 780-4373. For information on how to make a donation call 780-2666.