Sydney Geelan

Nine-year-old Sydney Geelan of McMinnville is helping ensure deserving Yamhill County children have a merry Christmas this year.

Toys are currently being collected for the sixth annual Yamhill County Sheriff's Office Toy Drive. More than 225 children were served last year.

The sheriff's office will continue accepting donations through Sunday at its courthouse office, 535 N.E. Fifth St. Prior to Christmas Eve, volunteers will wrap the toys and prepare them for delivery by deputies.

All by herself, Geelan, daughter of Tara and Eric Geelan, has contributed more than $600 worth of toys. She purchased the toys with funds she started collecting in June.

"Sydney decided that she wanted to become involved in helping underprivileged children," Sheriff Jack Crabtree said. "She began collecting donations from neighbors and friends and then purchased the toys."

He said she would be invited to accompany one of the deputies when the toys are delivered. He said the toy program gives deputies an opportunity to connect with children in a positive way, and he wanted to extend that to they young girl.

Children's names are being compiled by the sheriff's office's records staff. Callers are being asked to provide the child's first and last name, address and special interests or wishes.

To get more information, get a name on the list or volunteer to help, call the sheriff's office at 503-434-7506.