BLADENBORO — For more than 10 years, the officers with the Bladenboro Police Department have put Christmas smiles on the faces of youngsters in the town.

The department’s annual Christmas for Kids has kicked off once again, and the community is being asked to contribute.

“We’re looking for donations from the public to help us keep this going,” said Police Chief Chris Hunt. “The last four years have been tough to reach our goal, and without the community’s support this could come to an end.

“But we’re hoping to keep this going for many years to come,” he added.

Over the years, at least 15 local primary and/or middle school students are chosen each year as the recipients of a special Christmas adventure.

“An officer, along with a teacher, takes the students to Walmart, where we help them first find things like clothes, a coat, shoes and gloves,” Hunt said. “Then, after they have all that, we let them pick out some toys.”

The department’s monetary goal this year is $3,000 and the deadline is Dec. 15.

Hunt said those who want to contribute to the effort can do so in one of three ways:

— Stop by the Bladenboro Police Department office and, if nobody is there, they can call 910-862-8141 and someone would come by.

— Send a check made out to Christmas for Kids to Bladenboro Police Department, P.O. Box 455, Bladenboro, N.C. 28320.

— Stop by Bladenboro Town Hall at 411 Ivey St. to drop off cash or check.

“All donations are tax-deductible and a receipt is available if requested,” Hunt said.

W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

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W. Curt Vincent

cvincent@civitasmedia.com