The Fayette County Special Olympics announces its successful annual holiday gift card drive, Making Christmas 'Special' & Bright will continue for its third year.

The drive collects gift cards from donors to a variety of places such as grocery stores, restaurants, and department stores then are delivered to families with family members with special needs in hopes of making a difference in the lives during the holiday season. Once the gift cards are collected, school counselors and volunteers help identify and deliver the gift cards to those families in need.

The program first started in 2014 to help raise awareness for children and adults with special needs. Since the drive first started, nearly $6000 worth of gift cards have been donated from individuals and organizations within the community, including Burr & Forman, LLP, who's donation of $3500 will help kick-start this season's campaign. Several of the firm's attorneys are Fayette County residents including Jeff Holt and Jim McCarten, who is also heavily involved in the Special Needs Alliance.

"The families who receive these cards are so appreciative and are overwhelmed that complete strangers care enough to make their Christmas season special," said Amor Kok, Counselor for Exceptional Children's Services. "These families who have children with special needs often have to decide on taking their child to the doctor, getting medicine, or receiving the therapies they need. The luxury to go to a store to buy new clothes, goods, or go out for a nice meal isn't always in their budget, let alone a 'want'."

The 2016 Making Christmas 'Special' and Bright will be held November 28-December 6, 2016. The gift cards should be given anonymously and can be worth any denomination. All gift cards can be dropped off at the Fayette County Activities House (908 Redwine Road) and left for Debbie Parrish's attention.

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie at 770.716.4325 or dparrish@fayettecountyga.gov.