The 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley are once again beginning their annual Operation Santa fundraising event.

The kickoff ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Operation Santa headquarters at 261 Stuart Ave. on Fort Riley’s Main Post.

Operation Santa is an annual program. For nearly 30 years, the Fort Riley community has helped needy children and their families by providing gifts for local children during the holiday season. Operation Santa works in conjunction with the Association of the United States Army to assist families with financial difficulties during the holidays.

In 2012, approximately 500 families with nearly 1,500 kids applied to participate in the program.

The program will be asking for new, unwrapped toys in $15-$20-price range for children, ages two to 16 years.