Chilton County Department of Human Resources is collecting sponsorships and donations to provide Christmas gifts for 134 foster children in the county.

Chilton DHR has 20 more foster children this year, but director Marilyn Colson said the community has consistently met the needs of every child in foster care.

“The community has always been very supportive,” Colson said. “We would want folks to sponsor a child if they can do that.”

Colson said DHR has wish lists and clothing sizes for each child, along with their ages and gender. No names will be included.

Gifts for sponsored children must be sent or delivered, unwrapped, to DHR no later than Dec. 12.

To sponsor a child, call (205) 280-2000 or email Colson at marilyn.colson@dhr.alabama.gov.

Gift cards to stores will also be accepted, and all financial donations will be used to purchase items from the children’s wish lists.

Donation checks should be made to the Chilton DHR Foster Children’s Fund and mailed to P.O. Box 1699, 500 Airport Road, Clanton.

Donations and gift cards may also be dropped off at the DHR office on Airport Road next to the National Guard Armory.

Colson said another way to help is to share DHR’s Christmas request with friends, family, churches and coworkers.

“Beyond Christmas, we always need more foster parents,” Colson said. “There are many ways to help.”