St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is collecting $25 gift cards for children in Panama City affected by Hurricane Michael.

The Rev. Cindy Howard said she became aware of the need through her sister-in-law, Lee Carter, a school counselor at Bay Haven Charter Academy.

“Many of the children in her school are living in temporary housing, so giving them toys for Christmas may be a problem because they may not have adequate room to store them,” Howard said. “She has suggested that giving children in need a $25 Wal-Mart gift card would enable to get something they can use now, something they an use later, or something the family needs.

“We can help these children have a better Christmas by collecting $25 Wal-Mart gift cards for her to give to the children who need them,” Howard said.

St. Mary’s will collect gift cards through Dec. 10. They can be dropped off at the parish office. Call 222-2487 for more information.

–Michele Gerlach