No task is too small for the Carter County Sheriff’s Auxiliary.

Volunteers are currently in the process of accepting toys for their inaugural item drive to benefit elementary-aged children in the Carter County Schools District.

“We started this project in March,” said Susan Reece, Sheriff’s Auxiliary chairperson. “We’ve got a long list of children. We’re hoping to help 145 children with this drive.”

Reece added the organization worked alongside school administration to receive a list of children who have the biggest needs. For a first-year project, Reece added the hope is to see the initiative grow for the coming years.

Items are being accepted until Tuesday, Dec. 12. Once all toys are compiled, organizers will present children with the items around Christmas week.

Businesses that have a toy donation box include:

• Appalachian Printing

• Thomas Davis Edward Jones Office

• Curt Alexander Edward Jones Office

• Elizabethton International Paper

• Sycamore Shoals State Park

• United Way of Elizabethton/Carter County

• Northeast State Community College – Elizabethton campus

• Elizabethton Big Lots

• Valley Forge Auction and Warehouse

• Elizabethton Ingles

• Elizabethton Walgreens

Having the opportunity to give back is the goal of the Sheriff’s Auxiliary, according to Reece. While not officially part of the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, the organization works in conjunction with the department for different community-based projects.

Reece added she’s enjoyed working with Sheriff Dexter Lunceford and that group hopes to make a positive impact in the community with projects like the toy drive.

Monetary donations are also being accepted for toys, Reece said. Citizens can donate by using the PayPal option through the organization’s Facebook page. Checks can also be made out to Carter County Sheriff’s Auxiliary and be either mailed or dropped off at the Sheriff’s Office, located at 900 E Elk Ave.

The Sheriff’s Auxiliary is comprised of approximately 20 members and the group is open for other residents to join. Reece added that once the toy drive concludes, the group will then shift their focus for a winter project to help the homeless population.

Citizens wanting to join are invited to attend the Sheriff’s Auxiliary meeting scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 8, at 4:45 p.m. at the CCSO Conference Room.

Individuals wanting to learn more about the group are encouraged to visit the Carter County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page online or get in contact with Reece.