The Peachtree

City Recreation Department has begun collecting Christmas gifts and non-perishable

food items for donation to the Fayette County Department of Family and

Children Services.

The department

will use the donations to make the holidays a happier time for families

and children in need. Some gifts were donated at the city's tree lighting

ceremony Saturday evening but more are needed.

DFCS officials

have said there is a greater need for gifts for older teenage children.

Most people typically purchase teddy bears, trucks and dolls although

this year gifts are especially needed for the older kids, officials said.

Some suggested

gift ideas for older children include gift certificates to clothing and

music stores, hair products and journals.

The gifts and

food may be dropped off at the Recreation Administration building on McIntosh

Trail or the Kedron Fieldhouse and Aquatic Center, said coordinator Susan

Taylor. The department will accept the donations until Monday, Dec. 18.

For more information,

contact Taylor at 770-631-2542.

DFCS is also

seeking volunteers to "adopt" a needy family at Christmas by

purchasing gifts or providing a family meal. For more information on that

program, contact DFCS at 770-460-2555.