No long, white beards, no red suits, no bellies full of jelly in the lot. But the employees of the Lawrence County Department of Jobs and Family Services will play Santa Claus for needy area families again this year.

Caseworker Belinda Brown said this is the third year the employees have opted to have a "Secret Santa" program. From Nov. 1-Nov. 15, applications for assistance will be taken from those who desire the assistance.

"We're taking the first 100 families," Brown said. "If possible, we'll help more but we'll start with the first 100."

Anyone wishing to make a cash donation may send a contribution to the Secret Santa program, in care of Brown, at

Lawrence County Department of Jobs and Family Services, P.O. Box 539, Ironton, Ohio 45638.

Those wishing to adopt a family as part of the program may contact Lindilou Ferguson at the JFS office. Anyone wishing to donate toys or clothing may drop them off at the JFS office at 1100 S. Seventh St. during business hours.

"There is such a great need and we see it because we work with people in need, people in hardship situations every day," Brown said. "It's a wonderful feeling to be able to help someone. It makes the holidays better for us."

Last year some 300 children got Christmas assistance from the JFS employees.