The Salvation Army has worked for months on its Angel Tree program. Friday was the day their hard work came to fruition.
The nonprofit held its distribution day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More than 700 families drove through to get toys for their children and holiday baskets to have Christmas dinner.
"Here's the big day," said Major Randy Hartt, Northern Nevada Coordinator for the Salvation Army. "Over 2,200 children, we collected over 6,000 toys, and 1,500 food boxes are going out today to needy families."
The Major says this year is one for the books.
"I don't think I have ever seen the outpouring like I've seen this year, of people who are helping," Major Hartt said. "I mean, it's amazing, even with the economy the way it is, it is absolutely incredible how much people are just giving this year."
Many volunteers were lending a helping hand. For some of them, it's a feeling all too familiar.
"My family grew up that way," said Andres Moncayo, Salvation Army Volunteer. "Not really having a lot as far as with gifts. So, just want to be able to give back now that I'm able to."Â
It's the power in those interactions that makes it so much sweeter.
"That's been amazing," Moncayo said. "Seeing a lot of laughter, seeing some crying as well, but just the joy of knowing that the children are going to have some gifts this year is great."Â
For one mother, she says the Salvation Army helped her in many ways. She's a recovering drug addict and went through the drug rehabilitation program.
The Angel Tree program helps her provide a Christmas for her child.
"It shows that there are good people out in the world, like there's good people who really genuinely want to help someone that are in between times," said Porsha Robinson, Angel Tree recipient, "In between tough times or doing hard time or just okay. There is someone who loves us and don't even know us, that's a beautiful thing right there."
