Because Sparky was stolen from the Selma Fire Department, we’ve had to go nearly an entire month without the lovable mascot.

But with plenty of support from the community, Sparky may be able to make a grand appearance that is sure to excite local kids as it has in the past.

The Selma Fire Department has asked for the public’s help raising money to purchase another Sparky the Fire Dog costume before the Christmas Parade, so we won’t have to celebrate Christmas without the department’s furry-faced friend.

It seems as if the school systems, which are filled with little ones who have had the pleasure of meeting the dog, have adopted the right attitude when it comes to raising the requested $4,600 needed to purchase another costume.

Dallas County Schools, Selma City Schools, Meadowview Christian, Morgan Academy and Ellwood Christian are participating in campaigns geared toward saving Sparky.

Each school is collecting donations from its staff and faculty members, administration and students.

Monster March was fun as always, but it just wasn’t the same without Sparky serving as the event’s grand marshal.

We’re proud to see local schools — public and private — taking the initiative to fund a new costume, and we hope it will influence the rest of the community to give to the cause.

It only takes a moment of reflecting on all the joy Sparky has brought our youth to realize just much it would mean for him to appear at what some consider to be one of Selma’s most anticipated celebrations.

Donations can be made at any of the fire stations in town.

The chief’s station, Station 3 is located at 1500 Broad St., between Church’s Chicken and Brown’s Drug Store, Station 2 is located at 2401 Selma Ave, Station 4 is located at 800 Cahaba Road, and Station 5 is located at 1104 Woodrow Ave.