GALLIPOLIS — Officers from the Gallipolis Police Department put their hats to good use on Saturday during the department’s annual “Police Hat Drive.”

According to Sgt. Matt Champlin, organizer of the Hat Drive, GPD conducts the event to raise money that is used to buy toys and other items for underprivileged children in Gallia County during the Christmas season.

Champlin said officers collected nearly $6,000 in donations during this year’s drive, $4,800 of which was collected between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. last Saturday when officers stood in traffic — hats in hand — along Eastern Ave. in front of the Gallipolis Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Officers collected about $4,000 during the 2008 Hat Drive.

“We should feel fortunate to live in a community that is as dedicated to taking care of its children as Gallia County has proven to be,” Champlin said. “The officers involved in the activity would also like to express our thanks to the individuals who were so considerate as to bring us hot drinks during the time we stood out in the cold. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.”

Champlin said the Gallipolis Police Department and Gallipolis Lions Club are working together to distribute items to local children.