A program designed to make sure every child in Clarinda receives a gift on Christmas Day begins next week. According to Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers, next Monday, November 19th, the Clarinda Police Department and Clarinda E-911 Communications Center will begin “Operation Blessing 2012.”  Children may be signed up for involvement in the program by calling the Clarinda Police Department at 712-542-2194. A Clarinda E-911 Communications Center Operator will take the child’s name, age, sex, and address and request two gift requests per child. Names of children can be submitted beginning Monday, November 19, 2012 and will be accepted through Thursday, December 20th 2012. All information concerning the child is kept strictly confidential.

Persons wishing to make a charitable contribution to Operation Blessing 2012 may either donate cash or purchase a requested gift item. Gifts purchased can be dropped off at the Clarinda Police Department along with a note indicating the sex and age of the child the gift is for. Please leave the gift unwrapped. Cash contributions can be dropped off at the Clarinda Police Department or mailed to the Clarinda Police Department, 200 South 15th Street, Clarinda, Iowa 51632. Cash contributions will be used by the Clarinda Police Department to purchase gifts for the children.

Families will be contacted by the Clarinda Police Department when the gift items are ready to be picked up.