The Smithville Police Association kicked off Blue Santa last week as kids of all ages brought gifts by the Gazebo, filling up the back seat of a patrol car. The campaign accepts donations of new, unwrapped toys that are then distributed to needy children under 12 in the Smithville School Disctrict.

Police chief Rudy Supak said requests from families to receive gifts has been up this year, but donations had been down. You can still donate to Blue Santa by dropping off a new, unwrapped gift or a check, at the Smithville Police Department. Gift distributions will be on Dec. 19.