The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its annual Toy Express program, which provides holiday gifts to children in families facing financial hardships throughout Polk County.
The holiday assistance program is designed to help local families in need make the Christmas season brighter for their children. Applications must be submitted in person at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the deadline to apply is December 4, 2026.
The sheriff’s office said priority will be given to families applying for the first time, as well as children ages 12 and younger. However, submitting an application does not guarantee approval, and not all applicants will receive assistance.
Families who have already applied for assistance through another holiday program this year, including the American Red Cross, The American Legion or the Empty Stocking Fund, are not eligible to apply for the Toy Express program. The sheriff’s office will compare applications with other holiday assistance organizations to prevent duplicate assistance. Applications containing false information will be discarded.
Application Requirements
Parents and guardians applying for assistance must meet several requirements to be considered for the program.
Applicants must bring a valid picture ID showing proof of their current Polk County residence. They must also provide documentation verifying each child’s age, such as a birth certificate or medical records. Social Security cards will not be accepted as proof of age.
Applications must be completed by the children’s legal guardian, and the children must reside with that guardian. Only the legal guardian will receive toys for the children, and other family members cannot submit additional applications for the same children.
Applicants must also provide a working telephone number so sheriff’s office personnel can contact them when the gifts are ready for delivery.
The program is intended to provide toys for children and does not include high-value items such as tablets, cellphones or four-wheelers.
Toy Deliveries Scheduled for December
According to the sheriff’s office, gifts will be delivered directly to the residence listed on the approved application between December 7 and December 18, 2026.
Families who need delivery on a particular date or at a specific time during that period should include that request on their application.
Applicants are also asked to notify the sheriff’s office if any information provided on their application changes before the scheduled delivery dates. Updates can be made by calling 770-749-2901.
Donations Accepted Year-Round
In addition to providing holiday assistance to families, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office accepts donations for the Toy Express throughout the year. Community contributions help support the program and its mission of bringing Christmas gifts to local children.
Families interested in applying are encouraged to visit the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in person before the December 4 deadline to complete the application process and ensure they have the required documentation.
The Toy Express program serves as a community effort to help make the holidays a little brighter for Polk County children and families who need assistance during the Christmas season.
