GALLIPOLIS — A policeman’s hat is a familiar part of their uniform.

Children and adults alike know when they see an officer’s hat pulled down tightly just above their eyes, that man or woman means business.

The Gallipolis Police Department will mix business with holiday cheer again this year during its Police Hat Drive. This marks the second year that GPD is running the hat drive with the goal of raising funds to purchase gifts for underprivileged children in the area.

Sgt. Matt Champlin is the organizer of the Police Hat Drive. He said local cops will be out in force — hats in hand — on Saturday, Dec. 5 to collect donations from area residents.

Officers will be staked out in front of the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Gallipolis at the intersection of Eastern Ave. and Smithers Ave. Champlin said they will collect donations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Champlin said that the police department is working with the Gallipolis Lions Club on this project.

“Officers will work in conjunction with the Gallipolis Lions Club to use the monies collected to provide gifts for children who may otherwise go without this holiday season,” said Champlin. “We feel very fortunate this holiday season and it is our goal to reach out to those we serve and help make this Christmas special for all that we can help.”

Champlin said donations may also be dropped off at the Gallipolis Police Department from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. He said residents need to be sure to write “Police Hat Drive” on the outside of the envelope if they plan to leave donations at the department, located in the Gallipolis Municipal Building at 518 Second Ave. Donations will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 11.

Several local businesses are serving as drop-off locations this year, including Peoples Bank of Gallipolis, Fashion Bug in the Ohio River Plaza, Courtside Bar and Grill on Second Ave. in Gallipolis, and Baxter’s Harley-Davidson on Jackson Pike.