Volunteers distribute over 14,000 toys in Collier County

The Collier County Salvation Army, in collaboration with Toys for Tots, brought the holiday spirit to families in need this season. The event offered a unique shopping experience for those who might otherwise miss out on holiday gift-giving.

Dozens of volunteers gathered to make this event possible. Gifts were distributed just days before Christmas.

"By the end of the night, we will have had almost 5,000 families walk through the side doors and shop for their children," said Sarah Llanes, the Toys for Tots coordinator.

Llanes mentioned that nearly two weeks ago, the warehouse, once an old Rooms To Go, required thousands more donations to prepare for the event on Thursday night.

"We try to get through, I think it's about 140 people an hour, every hour through there," said Llanes.

"Our job is to give them the best toys we can give them," said volunteer Kris Kringle. Kringle also noted that toys were flying off the shelves.

Every parent in line received a ticket.

"They print out the receipt that looks like a CVS receipt and then it's got the family names and the age of the children," said Kringle.

Each ticket represented a wish, fulfilled at no cost.

"You win a bike! You win a bike! You win a bike," a volunteer exclaimed as bikes, books, and toy cars were handed out to families, including a toy car for one man's 10-year-old son.

The event even featured a TV giveaway. Days before Christmas, the focus was not on buying but on volunteers pushing carts and being present for the families.

Many families find the cost of Christmas makes store-bought gifts unattainable.

"It empowers the parents. It gives so much back to them, and they're able to go home, wrap these gifts and still have the magic on Christmas morning that Santa showed up and remembered those children too," said Llanes.

By the end of the night, the Salvation Army expected to have distributed more than 14,000 toys.