Bryan County is home to a variety of wonderful organizations and departments that support our residents all year long, but many of those entities up the ante a bit and plan special holiday initiatives.

During the season of giving, there are plenty of places that could use some additional help as they reach out to assist many county residents who otherwise might not enjoy their holiday.

Bryan County Emergency Services partners with Family Connections to ensure Christmas morning is a joyous experience for some of our youngest residents. Throughout December, BCES helps Santa Claus visit various neighborhoods around the county by giving him a lift on a fire engine. As Santa makes the rounds, he greets children and families, poses for photos and takes wish list requests. In return, BCES asks that anyone who is able please donate a new, unwrapped toy to be given as a gift to a local child in need.

Once the toys have been collected during Santa’s runs, BCES presents the large donation of hundreds of toys to Bryan County Family Connections Director Wendy Sims. Her organization ensures the gifts go to disadvantaged families with children. BCES also holds a Breakfast with Santa each year (this year’s is on Dec. 21 at Station 7), and the price of admission is also the donation of a new toy.With help from the community – including local churches, businesses, social service agencies, and the school system – the Bryan County Children’s Fund is able to provide food, clothes, and toys to qualifying families. Applications are distributed and referrals are taken from local agencies. Families are eligible based on their financial need.

Resources are streamlined through donations and sponsorships. Bryan County citizens can help by adopting a child or family, making a direct monetary donation, or donating clothes and toys to this worthy organization.

So, if you’ve been blessed this year, please pass that blessing and reach out to help a local family or child in need. There are plenty of ways to ensure that everyone in our community enjoys the holiday season. For more information on Bryan County Family Connections or the Empty Stocking Fund, please email Wendy Sims at wendysims@bryan-county.org or call 912-653-3824. For more information on BCES’s Breakfast with Santa, where donated gifts are sought in exchange for a free breakfast and visits with Santa, please visit Bryan County Emergency Services’ Facebook page.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity, Bryan County, and merry Christmas. It’s our residents who make this community a wonderful place to live.

Infinger is chairman of the Bryan County Board of Commissioners.