Salvation Army Helps Local Families By Distributing Christmas Gifts
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – For thousands of parents like Chanell McFarland, this is what Christmas shopping looks like this year.
She has a little girl and two young boys at home.
The Salvation Army is making not only their Christmas wishes come true, but also Chanell's dream of Christmas morning with her kids.
Chanell says, "They wake me up really early like 5 a.m., then we all go down to open up the gifts."
The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia will give away close to 20,000 toys to nearly 8,000 families this holiday season.
They say thanks in part to 400 community toy drives across the region, including CBS3's Joy of Sharing Toy Fest that wrapped up earlier this week.
Major Philip Ferreira, director of operations says, "It is very heartwarming when you see the happy expressions when they get the toy wanted but wouldn't have been able to afford."
Chanell says, "It means a lot because I hate to see their sad faces."
Chanell hopes she won't need the help next year.
"It hit me hard this year."
But she is comforted knows the Salvation Army will be here if she does.
"It will get better. I pray on that."
As KYW's Hadas Kuznits reports, the last round of Salvation Army gift distributions took place in Wynnefield Heights.
"We have their application, they're given a number and then we have everything broken down into age groups," said Ferreira.
"And it's great that the people who have can share with the people who have not."
Clarice from North Philadelphia came to pick out a present for her daughter.
"Money is so tight with the bills and things around my house that I know I wasn't going to be able to get her much so that's why I really, really, strongly appreciate this!"
It's not just the donations that make this happen, but all of the volunteers. They take parents through to pick out not only toys, but stocking stuffers as well.
It really is a team effort made possible by the Salvation Army and everyone out there who donated.