Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Charlotte County Christmas Parents held its annual toy distribution at the Drakes Branch Fire and Rescue building on Saturday, Dec. 11 and were met with smiles and plenty of thank you’s from parents.

“Things went very well. We served close to 200 children in the community,” said Desiree Lee, head of fundraising for the organization.

According to Lee, toys, stuffed animals, blankets, sweaters/sweatshirts, socks, underwear, diapers and wipes were given to each child, age and sized appropriately.

“The citizens of Charlotte and even our surrounding counties have truly shown their Christmas love this year,” Lee said.

For those shopping for their children the event meant a little something extra special under the tree this Christmas.

“This doll was exactly what my child was asking for. With the wage I make, I couldn’t make this possible for her…but Jesus sent y’all,” one parent said in tears.

Even several youth and student groups took part in helping with this year’s event.

“The volunteers we had this year were amazing,” Lee said. “From our family of volunteers to high school students with BETA, FBLA and FCA and Tabernacle Baptist Church Youth they were all amazing helpers — they are the future of this world, and to show them the act of giving, in this way is what is so important.”