By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Christmas is a special time for many families as the season brings friends and loved ones together. Unfortunately, several families may also feel a financial strain during this time.

The Helena Police Department is asking for the communities help this holiday season to ensure several local children receive joy this Christmas.

The HPD is once again participating in the Toys for Tots campaign, whose goal is to collect new, unwrapped toys to distribute as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community.

Beginning now, through Dec. 17, the Helena Police Department is encouraging the community to bring an unwrapped toy to the department to help local children in need.

Cash donations are also accepted by the department for Toys for Tots. This will allow HPD to purchase specific toys for special needs children or provide gift cards for older children whose siblings receive assistance.

For any families needing assistance in providing a Christmas for their children, HPD is asking those families to complete an application on its website and return it to HPD in person, email or through the mail. The HPD needs to know how many children to provide for as well as how many gender and age specific toys they will need.

Last year, HPD was able to provide Christmas toys for more than 100 kids in the Helena area because of the donations.

To find more information on the fundraiser or to fill out an application, visit Helenapolice.org.