Bragging rights will be on the line next week when the Selma Police Department and Selma Fire Department get together for their annual Toys for Tots basketball game.

Both sides have enjoyed a little smack talk in the last few weeks and the fire department is hoping to continue its long winning streak in the rivalry. But, no matter which side wins, area children will be the day’s biggest winners.

The game will be played Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. at Meadowview Christian School, located at 1512 Old Orrville Road. The admission charge is a toy or donation, which will be given out during the Selma PAL Center’s Christmas party on Dec. 22.

“We want to do something to let [the community] know we are here to protect and serve them and that we care about the public,” said Det. Dorothy Cowan with the Selma Police Department. “We are doing it for the city so that they know we are here for them in every way, not just to be out there arresting somebody.”

Cowan said the PAL Center gives out toys to children up to about 14 years old. Children don’t have to be a PAL member to go to the Christmas party, and they’ll give out toys until they run out.

“We have never turned a child away as far as giving them a toy,” Cowan said. “You don’t have to be 5 or 6 to receive toys. We try to give them up until about 14.”

The game is in good fun, but both sides are taking it seriously as well. Batallion Chief James Murphy with the Selma Fire Department said he can only remember the fire department losing twice over the last 15 games played.

“It’s an early Christmas present to the police department from the fire department,” Murphy said with a laugh.

Cowan said the police department believes it has a chance to win its first game in the rivalry in several years.

“The fire department has been bragging for the last few years, maybe three or four, but there’s always a first time,” Cowan said.

Toys can be dropped out at the Selma Police Department and the Selma Fire Departments, PAL Center and Main Street Urgent Care.