The Christmas Wishes project for Chilton County foster children is underway.

This year, DHR has 107 foster children in its care.

“We want to make Christmas as special and magical for our foster children as it is for children who will be able to spend the holiday with their own family,” said Marilyn Colson, director of Chilton County Department of Human Resources. “A number of children have already been sponsored, and we have also received donations which we can use to shop for the children.”

However, Colson said about a third of the children still need a sponsor.

Although the state does provide for the essential living needs of foster children, foster parents also sacrifice their time and resources.

“Christmas is a special time when the Chilton County community also shows how much they care for these children,” said Cathy Stephens, program supervisor with the department.

The following are ways to support the Christmas Wishes project:

•Contact the DHR office and ask to sponsor the wishes of a specific child or children.

•Provide gift cards, which are especially good for teens.

•Make a financial donation to the agency, which will shop for the donor.

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