Sponsors needed for Operation Sleighbells

Family and Children's Services (FCS) of Long Branch is seeking sponsors for its annual "Operation Sleighbells" holiday gift program.

The program started in 1909 as a way to give area children a brighter holiday season and through the years the project has grown with more than 2,000 children receiving gifts of clothing, toys and books each year.

Families from throughout Monmouth County register with FCS to participate in the program.

Families, businesses and corporations can participate in several ways, including buying gifts for a family. FCS will provide the ages, sizes and wishes of each child in the family and sponsors can also provide gifts for the caregivers, parents or grandparents by putting together a basket of nonperishable food for the family's holiday dinner.

A third way to donate is to bring new, unwrapped toys, clothes and/or food store gift cars to FCS to be distributed as needed to families that have registered with the program.

Monetary donations are also welcomed and FCS will do the shopping for the families. FCS is also looking for gift certificates to local stores, such as bookstores, music stores, Target, Old Navy or Kohl's for teens within the program.

FCS has evolved from a small group of individuals who delivered gifts and food to need families at Christmas via horse and carriage in 1909 to today's multifaceted agency.

To become a sponsor or donor, call FCS at (732) 222-9111.