The spirit of Christmas is here year ‘round, but never more than in the upcoming weeks.

Sponsoring clubs of events that make Christmas special for less fortunate children need help. Minden Civitan Club is just one of those organizations that is providing toys for local children with its annual toy donation program “Civitan Santa.”

This year, as in the past, “Civitan Santa” will be a joint project of Minden Civitan Club and Young Women’s Service Club.

Toy Chairman Ed LaBruyere said Civitans try to provide at least one new toy for each of the children who have nothing.

“It is only with your generous contributions that this program can provide this wonderful service for our local children,” he said.

Minden Police Department, also in a collaborative effort with Civitans and YWSC, is now accepting applications for “Civitan Santa,” (this program was formerly Toys for Tots). Apply in person at the Minden Police Department or online at http://www.mindenpolice.org –Click the Red Button

A valid ID number is required for online applications. Only children living at the address listed on the application are allowed.

Last year, the program provided toys for more than 450 children in more than 150 families in the Minden-South Webster Parish area.

“We were able to run this program due to the generosity of local businesses and individuals who donated money, as well as hundreds of dollars worth of new toys for the children,” LaBruyere said. “We ask the public to please consider us again this year. Without your help, several hundred children will think no one cares.”

Contributions may be sent to Minden Civitans, P. O. Box 95, Minden, La. 71058 or given to any member of Civilians or Young Women’s Service Club. Please make checks payable to the Civitan International Foundation, Federal ID #23-7407941.