Salem Food Bank Still Getting Toy Donations
SALEM (CBS) -- When burglars busted into the Toys for Tots storage station in Burlington, volunteers at the Salem Food Bank were frenzied.
"I felt like I let a lot of people down because I promised them presents," said Doreen Thomas, a volunteer with the food bank for 10 years.
But Friday the food bank looked more like Santa's workshop, with toys and gift cards lining the warehouse.
"We just went from just feeling terrible, but that Christmas spirit came out of everyone in the last two days," said Veann Campbell, Executive Director of Salem Food Bank.
WBZ-TV's Alana Gomez reports.
The flood of donations helped out families like the Reed's, who have four children.
"We don't really have that much right now, and you know money's tight for everybody and this just helps out a lot it," said Melissa Reed, who gratefully took home two bags of toys with her husband, Scott.
Friday morning, families filled the front office receiving toys and gift cards. By noontime, their pile of plenty was dwindling and volunteers were worried.
"We always get last minute families," said Thomas, who anticipated 300 more families would come through their door. "I believe we're going to have a shortage."
Anxious to fulfill everyone's Christmas dreams they put out one last plea for donations.
"I think every child should have something to open on Christmas," said Doreen.
Some of her wishes, answered when a volunteers walked in with loaded bags of brand new toys.
"Thank you, thank you!" said Doreen as she hugged the volunteer with tears in her eyes.
The Salem Food Bank is open until 8 p.m. Friday.
