The town of Maplesville is accepting applications and donations for its 21st annual Toys For Kids program.

Applications for assistance are available through November at Town Hall from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Completed applications will be received at Town Hall only on Wednesdays during November.

Those submitting applications must also provide a copy of the birth certificate of each child listed on the application form; verification of food stamps, if applicable; a copy of their most recent payroll check; and a $2 donation to go into the Toys For Kids program fund.

Launched by former Maplesville Police Chief George Smith in 1992, Toys For Kids provides Christmas gifts for children whose families would have trouble affording gifts.

“He had a love for kids and wanted to see kids have a good Christmas,” Town Clerk Sheila Haigler said of Smith. “Many times, we look at a family’s situation and think, ‘Those parents could do better.’ Children can’t help the situation.”

In 2012, the program received $10,375.13 to purchase gifts for 113 children from 45 families, Haigler said.

“We’ll accept donations, whether it’s a gift item or money, any day,” Haigler said. “We ask that everything be a new toy.”

Toys may be dropped off at Town Hall between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Monetary donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 9, Maplesville, 36750.

The deadline to submit monetary or material donations for 2013 is Monday, Dec. 9.

However, any monetary donations submitted after Dec. 9 will still be accepted and will roll over to the 2014 program fund.

Program applicants will be notified of whether they are approved.

“Few people are denied,” Haigler said. “Basically, we just want to meet the needs of the people in the community and the county.”

Haigler said anyone may make a donation—both individuals and businesses—and former recipients of the program have made donations years later as a way of thanking the program for its assistance and helping others experiencing financial difficulties.

“We have seen through the years that people just hit a rough time in their life,” Haigler said. “We do see and hear some good stories that come from the people. It’s to help the kids wake up on Christmas morning and to realize somebody does care.”

For more information, call Town Hall at (334) 366-4211.