Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster says that the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office will once again conduct Operation Santa Claus. The special operation is an outreach of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office to needy and under privileged children during the holiday season. “We want these children to know and understand that law enforcement officers and the people of the community do care about them and that they are not lost in the shuffle or forgotten,” said Foster. “Many times children are shown or told about law enforcement in a negative manner, and it is our goal to show that the men and women of law enforcement and throughout the community are really loving, caring people who want to make a positive difference in their community.” Sheriff Foster said that requests for assistance has already begun to pour into the sheriff’s office, and that there is a great fear that due to the current difficult economic conditions that the number of requests will outweigh the ability to meet needs. Foster said that layoffs and cutbacks have placed many people in need of assistance, and that many industries are simply unable to give as they have in year gone by combining for the possibility that some children will not receive assistance. “We believe that the people of our communities will come together to meet the needs of others during the holiday season, and so we are asking for everyone who can to help us help others,” said Foster. Foster said that officers of the Sheriff’s Office have been the first to offer a sacrifice. Instead of a formal Christmas Party, the Sheriff’s Office will hold a covered dish drop in, and the officers are being asked to donate the money they would have spent for the party and the meal to the toy drive. A number of community organizations are assisting with the toy drive this year in different ways. The Community Choir will hold their Christmas Cantata and there will be officers on hand before and after the event to accept donations or toys. The Cantata will be on December 5th at 8:00PM, December 6th at 8:00PM, and December 7th at 3:00PM at Newberry Elementary School. On December 13th, there will be a motorcycle run arriving at the Newberry Opera House at around 2:30PM. The run will provide toys to the Newberry Boys Farm and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office Operation Santa Clause. In addition, a number of business and churches have placed collection boxes for toys to be donated to the toy drive. The toy boxes can be found throughout the community, you can drop the toys or a financial donation by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office at 520 Wilson Road, Newberry, or you can call the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 321-221 and speak with Ron Abrams or Sherri Scott to arrange a pickup of your donated toys or money. 100% of all funds received are used for the toy drive. “These are indeed tough times,” said Sheriff Foster. “However, it is my observation that tough times often bring us closer together and strengthen our resolve. I know that together we will meet the needs of the community in what will certainly be a difficult year for us all.” If you have questions about this release or need any additional information, please contact Major Todd Johnson at tjohnson@newberrycounty.net or at (803) 321-2211.