With Christmas around the corner,

the Fayette County Department of Family and Children Services is asking

the public to help needy families.

Gift cards to department or

clothing stores are especially helpful, according to Sharon Herbert, community

resource director for the Fayette DFCS office. Gift cards to grocery stores

also come in handy, Herbert said.

DFCS officials have processed

over 400 requests from local families seeking assistance for the holidays,

Herbert said.

Because of the overload, 50

local families have been referred to the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys

for Tots program to help insure the children have gifts for Christmas.

Area businesses, churches,

civic groups and individuals have helped provide for some of the families

in Fayette who are struggling due to recent unemployment or other hardships

such as disabilities.

Gift cards can be dropped off

at the DFCS office on Ga. Highway 85 south near the intersection of Ga.

Highway 92 South from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is also a drop box that

can be used to leave donations after hours.

For more information, contact

Herbert at 770-460-2569.