Polk County Executive Robby Hatcher is inviting all children in East Polk County to the Copper Basin Community Center Friday, December 13, because “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”
Hatcher said toys will be given to the children by Santa himself.
More festivities are also promised as other elected officials make plans to have goodies ready for the children.
Hatcher also encouraged youngsters to drop off their Letters to Santa.
The event, which is free, begins at 6 p.m. The community center is located on old U.S. Highway 64 just west of Ducktown.
Hatcher praised Tommy Bunch of C&B Auction and Deli in Riceville for his help in collecting the toys.
The effort began when Bunch asked Hatcher, “What does Polk County do for the kids in the community?”
Since then, Bunch has coordinated the toy effort. He donates toys himself, keeps a toy bin at the auction house where patrons donate toys they have purchased, and collects donations from sellers.
Toys go to children in Polk, McMinn, Meigs and Monroe counties, Hatcher said.
Bunch also keeps a food pantry where Polk County residents can receive help.