Isle of Wight and Surry county children are invited to send a letter to Santa Claus through The Smithfield Times.

The letters will be published in the Dec. 23 issue of the newspaper. The newspaper also encourages children to send in original artwork that can be published with letters as space allows.

The deadline for submitting letters is Friday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.

Send letters to news@smithfieldtimes.com or mail to “Santa” c/o The Smithfield Times, PO Box 366 Smithfield, VA 23431 or deliver them in person at the office at 228 Main St. in downtown Smithfield.