With only 210 children identified as angels for Andalusia’s Community Christmas, organizer Larry Avery has extended registration for another week.

“It rained on our first registration day,” Avery said. “And then on our make up day it flooded again, so we decided to extend registration for another week.”

Last year more than 300 children were registered for the financial assistance program that helps put presents under the Christmas trees of needy families. In 2016, there were 326 registered.

Avery said that they are always looking forward to a better economic outlook.

“If it wasn’t because of the rain, then that means we have less needy kids,” Avery said. “But in the case that it was the rain, we don’t want to miss any kids.”

Children range in age from 2 years old to 10 years old. The non-profit relies on the help of local residents and civic clubs in Andalusia, as well as individuals, to purchase or make donations to purchase the presents.

Angels are ready to be adopted. For those who are interested in adopting an angel may pick up one at Andalusia Regional Hospital, Andalusia City Hall, CCB Community Bank, Covington Electric Cooperative, Henderson Sewing, JC Penney, PowerSouth, Regions Bank, Southeast Gas, Southern Independent Bank and Piggly Wiggly.

Packages are to be dropped off Dec. 7, 8 and 9 at the Kiwanis Community Center on the South Bypass. Drop off times are:

• Fri., Dec. 7, noon until 6 p.m.

• Sat., Dec. 8, 8 a.m., until 10 a.m.

• Sun., Dec. 9, 1 p.m., until 5 p.m.

Gifts should not be wrapped.

The Christmas party is scheduled for Fri., Dec. 21, and Avery said that all the usual attractions will be there.

“We will always have pizza and good entertainment,” Avery said. “We will have Santa there for pictures as well.”

For anyone interested in registering during the extended week, contact Maggie Jones at the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce, at 334-222-2030.

Tax-deductible contributions can also be mailed to Andalusia Community Christmas, Inc., P.O. Box 1525, Andalusia, AL 36420.  FEIN# 20-0211790.