The Smith Dale Lodge No. 31 Clanton Fraternal Order of Police held its annual Operation: Santa Claus Tuesday night at its lodge on Key Stone Drive.

Santa Claus was on hand to read to the children the story of Christmas and to deliver presents to the families, who were selected this year to receive assistance from the Fraternal Order of Police.

The families received presents for the children, a Bible, a storybook on the meaning of Christmas and food for Christmas dinner that included a turkey and a ham.

CCSO Sgt. Warren Garris serves as FOP president, CCSO Sgt. Darryl Bone serves as vice president, Clanton Police Chief Brian Stilwell serves as state representative and secretary treasurer and CCSO Deputy Ericc Price serves as chaplain.
The FOP reported that they had to change how things were handled this year due to the reduced donations.

“Our financial contributions were way down due to the economy, but those who did contribute were very generous and we are very appreciative,” said Stilwell.

The FOP also received a load of toys from the EMA office.

“Operation Santa Claus is a yearlong project for our FOP lodge, but much of the credit needs to go to Deputy Ericc Price, Calera Police Officer John Shearon and CCSO Sgt. Warren Garris and their families,” said Stilwell. “They put in a lot of extra work to make sure this is a success.”

Some of the remaining toys will be given to the Son Light Center to assist those families.

The Smith Dale Lodge No. 31 will be accepting donations through the year for 2011 Operation: Santa Claus, and they can be sent to Smith Dale Lodge No. 31 P.O. Box 2332, Clanton, Ala. 35046.