As the community gets ready to register Saturday for Andalusia’s Community Christmas drive, organizers are gearing up for the project’s massive fundraising effort.

Larry Avery, project coordinator, said if the “standard 600-plus” register, it will take a lot to purchase gifts for angels.

“Assuming our standard 600-plus angels, that’s a $35-$40,000 cost,” Avery said.

“Either we

have to raise that money, or the community has to adopt the angels and provide for them.

“Normally, the community adopts 90 percent, and we buy for the remaining,” he said.

“Next, we spend about $10,000 on bicycles. So the bottom line is that, to provide for the kids that sign up cost about $50,000.”

Avery said angels will be distributed to area merchants and will be available by next weekend.

“We also want to remind everyone that we will shop for the angels if they want to just make a donation,” Avery said.

Donations are tax-deductible and should be mailed to P.O. Box 1525, Andalusia, AL 36420.

This year’s distribution party will be held on Dec. 16.