It must be Bryan County Family Connection Director Wendy Sims’ favorite time of year, because the Bryan County Children’s "Empty Stocking" Fund is under way.

The program, which has been making Christmas brighter for less fortunate children in Bryan County since 1996, is taking applications through Nov. 17 from families who cannot afford to provide their children with presents.

The Bryan County Children’s Fund, now in its 21st year, was started by Mary Stafford and supported by the Bryan County News. It is run by Bryan County Family Connection, with the support of a number of local schools, churches, businesses and civic groups, including The Good Ol’ Boys, Pembroke Advance Communications, the Richmond Hill Police Department, REMAX Accent, ReMax Accent, Keller Williams, Robin Lance Realty, Century 21 Ways Station and the Fort McAllister Sport Fishing Club, among others.

Last year, the fund provided 602 children with gifts.

For more information on supporting the program or applying, call 653-3824 or 459-9901, or visit bryan.gafcp.org.