The Joy Project is about to get started on its annual work to help provide foster children with Christmas gifts.

Frances Smith, director of the initiative, has been coordinating The Joy Project for 30 years.

The Joy Project was run by two women before her, Smith said, and when they retired, Smith took over.

Each year Smith sends a letter to the Division of Family & Child Services for names of children who need help, and she receives about 70-80 names back.

"Every child gets a coat, shoes, three outfits of clothes and then their toys," Smith said.

Companies and churches such as Yokogawa, Yamaha, First United Methodist Church and St. Paul's Episcopal Church contribute money to help provide for the children, according to Smith.

The children are "adopted," Smith said, and given what they

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