Rhonda Griffin, Journal Editor

BLADENBORO — Don-ations for the annual Christmas for Kids campaign sponsored by the Bladenboro Police Department are off to a slow start, Chief Ronnie Rising said Friday.

“Funding is slow this year,” Rising said. “I know with the economy the way it is, it can be difficult.”

The funds raised through the program are used to assist several students from Bladenboro Primary School for the holidays. The children are chosen by the teachers and guidance counselor of the school, with a limit of one child per family, he said.

The children chosen will be taken on a chaperoned shopping trip and urged to choose necessity items as their gifts, Rising said.

“They may pick a small toy or two, but they are encouraged to concentrate on things of need, such as clothing,” he added.

During last year’s campaign, the department raised about $3,500, Rising said, and hope to help the usual 15 to 20 children this Christmas.

The children will be taken on their shopping trip during the week of Dec. 15. Donations are being accepted at the Bladenboro Police Department.

For more information, call the department at 863-3333.