With Christmas just about ten weeks away, Santa Claus’ Russellville-based elves are preparing to grant the wishes of good little girls and boys in need, and now is the time to apply for the Helping Santa Toy Drive.

Applications to participate in the annual toy drive will be available starting Oct. 14 at the Russellville Police Department. The program, in its ninth year, is a joint effort coordinated by the RPD and the Russellville Fire Department, but it also involves the city and community.

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

The deadline to turn applications in will be No. 24. All information needed to apply will be listed on the applications.

Beginning Nov. 24, the RFD will begin to accept donations from the community to fulfill the Christmas wishes of local children in need. Toys as well as monetary donations will be accepted in donation boxes around town. More information will be shared in November.