Even though it may not seem like it, Christmas is less than three months away and the city of Russellville is already gearing up for their annual “Helping Santa” toy drive.

Applications to participate in the program became available on Monday, Oct. 6, and Russellville Fire Capt. Randy Seal, who is coordinating the program, said he hopes the city will be able to help even more children this year than in year’s past.

“This is our seventh year to have the city departments participate in the Helping Santa program and every year it’s just great to know that we could help some child have a memorable Christmas,” Seal said.

The program is open to children in the city limits of Russellville, in the county, and any other children will be considered after those two groups have been served.

Applications to participate in the program can be picked up at the Russellville Police Department in downtown Russellville between the hours of 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

The deadline to turn applications in will be Dec. 5. All other information needed to apply will be listed on the applications.

For additional information, call 256-332-8761 to speak with Randy Seal or 256-332-2230 to speak with Sgt. Linda Michael.

Seal added that donations of new or slightly used toys for children ages newborn to 15 years old can also start to be dropped off at Russellville Fire Department Station 1 on South Jackson Avenue between the hours of 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday.