The Port Aransas Emergency Services is sending out an S.O.S. They need your help. This year’s Emergency Services Toy Round Up collection has had a dismal start.

Event chairman Kristin Barton said there has not been much response to the collection efforts to provide Christmas toys for Port Aransas youth. She said more than 100 children already are registered in the program and Emergency Services personnel would like to have a gift for each child. In an effort to reach the goal, the collection deadline has been extended to Monday, Dec. 20.

Applications for recipient families may be picked up at the EMS office or the police department through tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 10.

This year marks the 13th year the police, fire and medical services have held the Toy Round Up.

New, unwrapped toys may be dropped off at the Port Aransas Police station or EMS office, both at 705 W. Ave. A, the Family Center IGA at 416 S. Alister St., city hall at 710 W. Avenue A, ValueBank at 500 S. Alister St. or the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute at 750 Channel View Drive.

Monetary donations may be left at city hall, 710 W. Ave. A, at the EMS office or mailed to Port Aransas EMS, Attention: Emergency Services Toy Round Up, 705 W. Avenue A, Port Aransas, TX 78373.

Checks should be made payable to Emergency Services Toy Round Up.

When giving to the Round Up, don’t forget kids 12 and older, as there is often a shortage of gifts for teens, according to event chairman Kristin Barton.

Barton said, “We want all children in Port Aransas to have a merry Christmas, and with your help, together we can, one child at a time.”

Applications for toys must include proof of residency in Port Aransas with a rent or utility bill having a Port Aransas zip code and some form of identification.

Parents will pick up the unwrapped toys before Christmas along with wrapping paper and tape.

For more information, call the EMS office at 749-4405.