Paramedic Kristin Barton and EMTB Justin Sain hold a near-empty bin at the Family Center IGA on Monday, Dec. 13. Usually by this time, the bins are overflowing with toys and gifts for the Emergency Services Round Up Christmas drive. However, at press time, the drive did not have enough gifts to provide at least one gift per child. The drive has been extended to Monday, Dec. 20 in hopes of meeting the needs of less fortunate families in Port Aransas. STAFF PHOTO BY MURRAY JUDSON An “all-points bulletin” has been issued by Port Aransas police, fire and medical services for missing toys.

The Port Aransas Emergency Services 13th annual Toy Round Up is underway, but the collection results have been poor, according to event chairman Kristin Barton. Emergency personnel are hoping to provide toys to the more than 100 Port Aransas youth registered in the program. In an effort to reach the goal, the collection deadline has been extended to Monday, Dec. 20.

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. Ave. 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. Ave. A, Port Aransas, TX 78373.

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

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.”

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.