Now that the Christmas shopping season is in full swing, Andalusia’s Community Christmas organization is asking locals to help make a child’s Christmas this holiday season.

“You can help make a child’s Christmas merry and bright – a child whose needy family may not be able to afford presents under the tree this year,” said Larry Avery, organizer.

There are approximately 300 children who need help this year, ranging in ages from 2 to 10.

Children need clothes and a toy that they have requested.

Each child has been given an ID number and his or her information is written on an angel card. Locals may find those cards on Christmas trees at area businesses.

Organizers ask that packages be dropped off Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this week, at the Kiwanis Center at the following times:

• Fri., Dec. 2, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.;
• Sat., Dec. 3, from 8 a.m. until noon; and,
• Sun., Dec. 4, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Organizers ask that gifts not be wrapped.

Locals may pick-up angels at:

• CCB Community Bank;
• JCPenney;
• Southern Independent Bank; and
• Winn-Dixie.

Andalusia Community Christmas is a non-profit annual program funded by the citizens and civic clubs of Andalusia, and assists families in financial crisis who live in the Andalusia, Straughn, Red Level and Pleasant Home school districts, by providing toys and clothing for children.

All contributions are tax-deductible.

Children and families will be treated to a night of fun and will pick-up the gifts at the annual Community Christmas part, set for Fri., Dec. 16, at the Kiwanis Center at 6:30 p.m.