Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer said Monday, his office is currently taking requests for “Operation Blessing.” Since Clarinda, Essex and Shenandoah have similar programs, the Sheriff’s Office is focusing on children in the other communities and rural areas of Page County. The requests must come from a parent or guardian of the child. The requests can be called into the Page County Sheriff’s Office at 712-542-5193, or in person at the Sheriff’s Office. There will be a first and second choice for each child. Requests will be taken from November 25th through December 20th.

Operation Blessing was started in the mid 1980’s with the Page County Reserve Officers to ensure that every child in Page County had the opportunity to receive a gift at Christmas. It has continued every year since.

Anyone wishing to donate to Operation Blessing can either stop by the Page County Sheriff’s Office or mail the donation to the Page County Sheriff’s Office at 323 North 15th, Clarinda. When the gifts are ready to be picked up the Sheriff’s Office will notify the parent or guardian that the gift is ready.

The Page County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to everyone who has helped keep this program going through donations in the past, and the assistance their staff provides through the wrapping and delivery process.