For Clermont County Children's Services, it's never too early to think about Christmas

Craft stores aren't the only places that start planning for Christmas in September. Sanna Gast, an administrative supervisor with Clermont County Children's Services, is a kind of local Santa Claus for hundreds of Clermont County children in foster care, and each autumn she begins setting up a Community Toy Chest. "These children have a very difficult time," Gast said. The Toy Chest helps match community sponsors, which can range from individuals to businesses to churches, with foster children who might not otherwise find presents under their tree. Sponsors can request to buy gifts for children of a particular age or gender, but Gast said some of the greatest need is present among older children -- those who don't play with the same toys their younger counterparts want. "They want phones, they want iPads," Gast said. A single sponsor doesn't have to foot the entire cost for a large item such as an iPad, however. People who want to help Gast and her colleagues afford bigger-ticket presents for older children can make donations of cash or gift cards as well. Christmas is three months away. Anyone interested in helping the Clermont County Community Toy Chest can find more information online.