It is almost time for Columbus firefighters and volunteers to deliver Christmas cheer for the needy children in our community.

Capt. Mike Wilson, spokesman for the Fire Department, says that the Columbus Firemens Cheer Fund deliveries will begin Saturday morning and they are looking for community volunteers to help make deliveries around Bartholomew County.

Wilson says the process to load up the toys and get them delivered on that morning has become very efficient over the years.

The Cheer Fund Deliveries will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning at the center at 1531 13th Street.

Wilson said drivers will begin lining up hours ahead of time.

Fire Chief Mike Compton said some volunteers are building an entire family tradition around being one of the first in line Saturday.

Firefighters announced yesterday that for the first time, every child who asked for a bicycle from the Cheer Fund will be able to receive a new one.

The Cheer Fund is the oldest charity in Bartholomew County, operating for 87 years. More than 600 families and 1,200 children will receive deliveries this year, Wilson said.