Paulding County has several programs in place to assist qualified citizens who are less fortunate.

The Paulding Holiday Programs are a collaborative effort of organizations working together to assist families with gifts and food for the holidays. To ensure that every family in need is served and to avoid duplication of services, applications for all programs are taken at a centralized location. Applicants must provide a valid identification, proof of residence and income and birth certificates for each child. As applications are received the information provided is verified and the families are placed with the organization that can best meet their needs. Each organization has different guidelines and no one is turned down.

The programs are titled Paulding Christmas and Paulding Toys for Tots. The Westridge Church will assist this year by providing food boxes to 900 or more families in the county.

The Sponsor-a-Child program will coordinate the adoption of economically disadvantaged families by individuals, churches, groups and organizations seeking to lend assistance to them.

Interested persons should go to the Academy Creek Community Building at 563 Paulding Lane in Dallas.

The assistance application period ends Saturday. Eligible children are infants to 15- years-old.

“It is only through the generous support of local businesses and private donations that this program has been such a huge success,” said Lt. Deirdre Morris of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.

The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office is teaming with Wal-Mart to host the 13th annual Cops for Kids Christmas shopping event. For the fourth consecutive year, the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Highway 278 will host the shopping event. Wal-Mart also increased the amount of its donation to $4,500 this year.

Information: Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. Attention Lt. Dee Morris, 247 Industrial Way N., Dallas, Ga. 30132. Academy Creek Community Building at 563 Paulding Lane in Dallas.