Operation Santa Claus is in full swing at the Newberry Sheriff’s Office. Toys and gift cards are being collected for needy children from now until December 20.

The Mid-Carolina High School Bass Fishing Team has joined up with the Sheriff’s Office for two special events to help in providing toys. Saturday, the Mid Carolina High School Team has challenged other bass teams from across the state to bring toys to the state high school bass tournament being held at Dreher Island State Park. Each team and each high school are challenged to bring a toy when they come onto the Island.

Representatives of the Sheriff’s Office will be on hand to collect the toys during the weigh in period. On Sunday, the Bass Team has asked people attending the Prosperity Christmas Parade to bring a toy and stuff the boat as they pass through the parade.

The Mid-Carolina Bass Fishing Team has really taken this on as a project in addition to their fishing competition said Sheriff Lee Foster. It really is great to see the students and their coaches to come together to help children that are less fortunate. It is the hope of the Mid Carolina Bass Team that they can make a significant contribution in this Christmas effort.

Toys will be collected Saturday, December 6, at Dreher Island as a part of the state bass fishing tournament and on Sunday, December 7, during the Prosperity Christmas parade.

If you cannot participate in either one of these two events, donations will be taken at the Sheriff’s Office at 550 Wilson Road in Newberry through December 20.

All help is very much needed and appreciated.