Donations to a local organization help bring Christmas to local kids

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A late surge by local organizations will help bring some Christmas cheer to kids in need.

Hundreds of locals kids will have the joy of opening a present this Christmas thanks to the Poverello House.

On Thursday, dozens of volunteers worked around the clocks wrapping and sorting toys for the annual toy giveaway in Downtown Fresno. "When you see the smiles on these families faces that receive these toys on Christmas day it's just an amazing feeling to see that," said Cruz Avila, Poverello House Executive Director.

Earlier this week the toy giveaway was in danger of falling short for the number of families in need. As late as Wednesday the warehouse at the Poverello House was half empty, but thanks to some generous donations from the community it's now overflowing with toys. "It's unexplainable to see all these toys that have been coming in different organizations-- they've all come through for us with the help of volunteers," said Avila.

The Poverello House will begin passing out toys at 7:00 a.m. Christmas morning "The folks will come in, all the presents are lined up in different age groups, then you have Santa Claus at the end. He'll greet them and take pictures with them, the families are able to take their bags with two to three toys and it just goes a long way," said Avila.

The Poverello House expects to hand out over 3,000 toys to at least 1,500 families this Christmas.