For the past nine years, the Farmville Police Department has participated in Operation Blue Christmas — a program that provides a Christmas holiday for children who might not otherwise have one.

“This is a good event because we are providing Christmas to children that more than likely wouldn’t have Christmas,” said Farmville Police Chief A. Q. “Andy” Ellington.

Starting in October and running through November, the police department receives donations from businesses and citizens and holds fundraisers.

According to Ellington, in early December, the children who have been selected by the Department of Social Services are taken to Walmart to shop where a police officer and other volunteers accompany them.

On their shopping day, officers shadow children throughout the store and help them shop where they can choose clothing and toys as well as gifts for their loved ones if they so desire.

Taco Bell also provides lunch for the children following their shopping trip.

“It provides them with a sense of family and lets them know we care,” says Ellington. “It is genuinely a tearful experience and one I so look forward to attending each year.

For more information and to donate, contact the Farmville Police Department at (434) 392-9259.