The Rockmart Police Department joined forces once again for Christmas-time giving and made the holidays bright for local youth who otherwise might go without toys this year.

Officers were at Crossview Community Church on Friday handing out gifts to local youth, helping 81 children have a happy holiday with toys this season.

This year’s program required a change of pace for the Christmas is for Kids program, since Rockmart Police Chief Randy Turner and his officers and volunteers had to pre-sort all the items being given away and keep them separated to reduce the potential contact of COVID-19 between those who have given, and those who will receive.

Turner’s wife Crystal was cited in the police department’s Facebook page as getting a lion’s share of the credit this year for making the program work.

“She spent countless hours behind the scene organizing and sorting toys, making shopping lists, and making sure each child was well taken care of,” the post stated. “She had some great help this year from Risa Foley, Debbie Ross, Janet Tinney, Mary Miller, Natasha Crisler, Brooke Matthews, and the staff at Crossview Church.”

The police also thanked Toys for Tots, the Rockmart Kiwanis Club, the Polk County Rotary Club, Crossview Community Church, and many volunteers who helped organize and distribute the toys.

“We are also blessed with a very giving community who donated toys and money for this wonderful program. We would like to thank the following businesses and individuals who contributed: El Nopal, Rockmart Slate, Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home, Curtis Lewis Motor Co., Miura America Co., Handy Andy, 113 Express Stop, 101 Dixie Fuel, Family Savings Credit Union, Tri-City Pawn, Soli’s, Simply Staffing, Western Inn, Garden Inn & Suites, Dairy Queen, Hibachi Express, Barnett Heat & Air, Statham Tire and Repair, Kwik Serve, the Rockmart Kiwanis Club, and several other individuals who donated cash or toys and asked to remain anonymous. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Merry Christmas and God Bless!”