Isle of Wight and Surry county children wanting to send a letter — or email — to Santa are invited to do so via The Smithfield Times.

The letters will be published in the Dec. 21 issue of the newspaper. The newspaper also encourages children to send in original artwork that can be published along with the letters as space allows.

The deadline for submitting letters or emails is Friday, Dec. 16 at 5 p.m.

Letters can be emailed to news@smithfieldtimes.com or by ‘snail mail’ to “Santa” c/o The Smithfield Times, PO Box 366, Smithfield, VA 23431 or deliver them in person to the special Santa mailbox at the office located at 228 Main St. in downtown Smithfield.