Chilton County Education Support Professionals are partnering with Dollar Tree of Clanton for the third consecutive year to help less fortunate families during Christmas with a toy and clothing drive called Operation Home Front.

Annie Roberts of Chilton County ESP said all donated items are given to the Fraternal Order of Police to distribute throughout the community.

“They can go by Dollar Tree, and when they’re purchasing their items, cashiers will automatically ask them if they want to purchase a toy to donate to the project,” Roberts said. “Or they can just purchase a toy from somewhere else to take by there.”

The last day to donate is Dec. 16, and items can be dropped off at Chilton County High School or Dollar Tree.

Roberts said ESP officers are not accepting monetary donations because they would be difficult to keep up with at different schools, but people can donate money through the Dollar Tree or FOP Spokesman John Shearon.

“All we want to do is be able to help someone in the community,” Roberts said. “Whatever we get, we just take it and give it back.”

ESP is also holding a food drive to help the Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center this Christmas.

Food can be dropped off at the CCHS lunchroom during normal school hours.

“We’ve been doing it for 10 years now,” Roberts said. “It’s all about us trying to help somebody’s family during the holidays; to make their holidays better.”