SUMITON — Sumiton Fire and Rescue Services purchased toys for more than 200 children Saturday morning at Sumiton Walmart. Each year, the preregistered kids and their parents check in at a table in the front of the store and then shop for the toys that will make their Christmas.

Though the program has been in place for longer than either Fire Captain Mike Hammock or Fire Chief David Waid have been with the department, they both remain committed to make the program a success each year.

Firefighters from SFRS spend all year raising money, via roadblocks, fundraisers and soliciting donations from local businesses. The City of Sumiton also donates to the program, making up any shortfalls in the fundraising to ensure that the program serves as many children as possible.

“It’s something that needs to be done,” Sumiton Mayor Petey Ellis said. “No kid should go without Christmas. That’s something we hope to accomplish in our community, and these boys have worked hard to make that happen.”

Walmart also had numerous employees on hand to help handle the rush and help children and parents find the items on their wishlists.

“It’s a privilege to be able to work alongside our Sumiton firefighters and police officers to service our community,” Walmart Manager David Roberts said.