Operation Santa Application Period Begins November 1

The application period for the 2011 Operation Santa Claus will be November 1 - December 15, 2011. Applications will be accepted at the Department of Social Services office during regular business hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Operation Santa is a holiday gift drive by the Department of Social Services to collect donations and distribute Christmas gifts for county residents. In 2010, Operation Santa helped provided gifts for more than 700 residents of Currituck County.

The recipients included 675 children, 25 foster children and 40 elderly citizens. Gift donations were made by individuals, families, businesses and community groups.

Families currently receiving benefits from DSS wishing to apply for Operation Santa will not need to present additional verification. Anyone not currently receiving benefits can call DSS at 232-3083 for a list of required application information.

Please contact the following individuals if you want to:

1. Donate food or money for the Food Baskets for the Elderly program. Contact Carla Mebane at 232-6039.
   
   
2. Donate money or gift cards for our foster children. This will be distributed by the foster care staff. Contact Vickie Moore at 232-6040.
   
   
3. Donate new toys for children in Currituck County. Contact Lori Roth with Toys for Tots at 757-328-2816, or Christal Berry at DSS at 232-6038.
   
   
4. Sponsor children in Currituck County, by providing gifts directly to a family. Contact Kathy Romm at 232-3083.

If you want to sponsor children and provide gifts, we ask that you make arrangements to meet the family and distribute the gifts directly. You are welcome to meet them at the Department of Social Services. We do not have staff available to do distributions.

Checks should be made payable to "Currituck County" and mailed to our NEW MAILING ADDRESS at 153 Courthouse Rd. Suite 400, Currituck  NC  27929.  If you need further information, call 232-3083 and ask for Kathy Romm.