By Jeff Devine,
Dale County Chronicle
The annual Operation Santa Claus toy collection program has wrapped up for the year, and once again, the Ozark community has proven just how deeply it cares for its children.
Each holiday season, the Ozark Fire Department partners with the Dale County Department of Human Resources (DHR) to collect new toys that will be distributed to foster children throughout the county. This year’s effort culminated in a friendly showdown between the Ozark Fire Department and the Ozark Police Department, held Saturday outside Walmart, where both agencies worked side by side — and in good spirits — to see who could gather the most donations.
According to the Fire Department, the community’s response exceeded all expectations.
“Ozark understood the assignment!” the department shared in a statement. “This community didn’t just show up — Ozark showed UP and showed OUT! The Toy Drive at Walmart this past weekend was a huge success for both Ozark Fire and Ozark PD, and those gifts beautifully wrap up an already incredible Operation Santa Claus.”
Fire officials emphasized that the true winners are the children who will wake up on Christmas morning with gifts they might not otherwise receive.
“Because of your generosity, these toys will now be placed into the hands of our local foster children — ensuring they feel the magic, joy, and wonder of Christmas morning,” the announcement read. “Every donation, every share, every small act of kindness came together to create something BIG for kids right here in our community. Ozark, your heart is unmatched… Thank you for helping us make Christmas magical.”
The Ozark Police Department echoed the sentiment, offering its own message of gratitude.
“On behalf of the Ozark Police Department, we extend our profound gratitude to the community for the overwhelming generosity demonstrated through the plethora of donations in support of the Operation Santa Claus Toy Drive Program,” the department said. They also recognized the officers who volunteered their time to support the cause, including Technical Services Officer Tina Hutson, Corporal Juan Alvarez, and Lt. Ben Price.
The final results from the weekend’s event were still being tallied at the time of the announcement, but both departments made it clear that the true victory belongs to the community that stepped up with open hearts.
Operation Santa Claus closes the year on a high note, strengthened by the good-natured rivalry and unified mission of Ozark’s first responders — and by a community whose generosity continues to shine brightest when it matters most.
Ozark Fire Department has been collecting toys for the annual Operation Santa Claus toy drive program. Pictured here, fire fighters collect toys donated at Ozark Walmart on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Photo courtesy of Ozark Fire Department.
Ozark Police Department officers participated in a friendly competition with the fire department on Saturday, December 6, at Ozark Walmart. Photo courtesy of the Ozark Bureau of Police Services.
