The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office will once again have deputies and volunteers ready to brighten Christmas for children in need with their annual toy drive this Saturday.

Collections for Operation Helping Hands will be held at the Walmart stores on North Main Street and College Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donated toys this year will be given to students at Elephant’s Fork and Booker T. Washington elementary schools.

Any new toy fit for elementary school-age children is acceptable, with the exception of gun-related items, Community Engagement Coordinator Katie Jones said. Walmart shoppers can make donations as they leave the store, Jones added.

“If they go in and pick up a toy, then they can drop it in a box,” she said.

This will be the fourth year the sheriff’s office has held a toy drive for Elephant’s Fork. The office also assists another, rotating school each year.

Last year, about 10 sheriff’s cars were stuffed with toys, along with nearly 20 donated bicycles.

“One guy pulled up in a van with like $300 worth of stuff,” Sheriff E.C. Harris said. “I couldn’t believe it.”

Harris said he’s expecting an even bigger haul this year, since deputies and volunteers will be out there a few more hours for when donations pick up between 2 and 4 p.m.

Deputy J.C. Patterson will be there on delivery day in his best Santa Claus costume to give students holiday memories, Jones said.

“It tends to stir up a lot of excitement on delivery day,” Jones said.

Call 514-7840 for more information.