Auburn, Ala. - The Season of Giving is upon us and the Auburn Department of Public Safety is kicking off its 2012 Toys for Tots toy drive to help get you in the spirit of giving. Toys for Tots assists Auburn families in need by providing Christmas gifts to children ages 3-8.

Child registration will begin October 2 and will continue at the Auburn Police Division each Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00- 11:00 a.m. The deadline to register is November 14. To be eligible, a parent or legal guardian must provide a picture ID, the child’s social security card and birth certificate, and two of the following three documents: current light bill; water bill; and/or lease/rental agreement.

Citizens wishing to donate to Toys for Tots are invited to drop off their gift(s) at any Auburn Fire station or at the Auburn Police Division at 161 North Ross Street. Thanks to the generosity of Uncle Bob’s Self-Storage, two remote drop off points have also been established at their stores located at 1231 Gatewood Drive and 2020 South College Street. The gifts must be new and are not required to be wrapped. Upon arrival, they will be organized into age-appropriate categories before delivery which is scheduled for the week prior to Christmas.

The Toys for Tots initiative represents a great opportunity for our community to reach out to those in need in order to make this Christmas a joyous holiday for each and every child. Remember, no gift is too small. Please direct questions regarding the Toys for Tots drive to Debra Hoyett at the Auburn Police Division at 501-3129.