Through the efforts of the Fraternal Order of Police, some needy children are going to have a very good Christmas this year.

Bill Hamner, president of the local FOP chapter, said due to a large amount of support from the Selma community, the organization was able to purchase several toys and other items for children who might not otherwise get presents for Christmas.

“For years, this program we do every Christmas entirely depended on donations from police officers,” Hamner said. “Last year we decided to ask for community support, and we had much better success than we expected.”

For several weeks Selma and Dallas County residents received telephone solicitations from a company hired by the FOP to help them collect donations.

“The community gave us so much support that we may only have to ask for donations every other year,” Hamner said.

On Thursday, officers from the Selma Police Department and Sheriff’s Office-all members of the FOP-met at the Police Athletic League to take a group of children and their parents Christmas shopping.

The officers took the families to Wal-Mart to let them pick out toys, clothing and other items they may need, all of which was paid for by the FOP.

Hamner said he and other FOP members plan to continue these shopping trips for needy families for the next few weeks.

Along with the shopping trips, the FOP plans to ensure children staying at the local domestic violence shelter will be able to enjoy Christmas.

“We are going to go by the shelter and bring them some toys,” he said.

Hamner said he has been “floored” by the community’s support of the organization this year. Even the Beta Club at Dallas County High School donated toys for the FOP to deliver to children.

Hamner said the telephone solicitations to area residents should have ended today.

“We really enjoy helping these kids,” he said. “This is what Christmas is all about.”