Christmas can be a very difficult time for many families in need. Many struggle on a day-to-day basis with basic needs, so a nice Christmas is often out of the question.

Today, over 500 families were able to breathe a slight sigh of relief as they received a helping hand from the Salvation Army. And for those making the deliveries it was an example of the spirit of the holidays.

No one knows each family’s individual circumstance, but at the Salvation Army it doesn’t matter.

Stacy Ritchie, Grateful for help: “The Salvation Army puts on the Angel Tree for the under-privileged kids and we happen to be in that situation this year, so here we are.”

Tavia Pickett, Mother of 4: “It’s almost impossible at times without this program to have a nice Christmas for your family.”

Taking the worry of not having something under the Christmas tree away, as families pick up bags full of toys and clothes.

Tavia Pickett: “I’m very excited, I’m very excited. My kids will be very happy.”

Stacy Ritchie: “Just the look on her face when we picked them up was enough.”

And thanks to black plastic bags, little Cheyenne will still be surprised on Christmas morning.

Kristi Henderson, Reporting:”Who’s coming?”

Cheyenne Ritchie: “Santa!”

Not only are families coming and picking up clothes and toys, they are also coming and getting their Christmas dinner.

Many at the distribution center hope their situation will change, giving them an opportunity to give in the future.

Stacy Ritchie: “If anyone can pay it forward next year that is what you should do. Pay it forward.”

But for now they are just grateful to such a caring and giving community.

Tavia Pickett: “I would have to say thank you so much for everything. It means a lot to us.”

Stacy Ritchie: “Just a big thank you and big hugs and kisses for them. And may God bless them this year too.

Those with the Salvation Army say this is one of the days they look forward to every year and say while it is hard work, the look on the children’s faces make it worth it.

Story by Kristi Henderson. Originally posted on: News Channel 6

After over a month of toy drives, angel trees, and other donations of clothing and toys; the Salvation Army’s toy drive is near the finish line. Last week they started sorting the donations for the families they have been collected for.

Donations covered the floor of a warehouse at the Snake River Landing in Idaho Falls. The development company bringing this new development to the area donated this space. It is perhaps the largest donation for the holiday toy drive and another great example of the generosity this holiday season.

Johnathan Cederberg from the Salvation Army said, “The donations that have been coming in since Thanksgiving have been great. We have filled this entire warehouse with toys, it has just been great.”

The extra room allows the Salvation Army to adequately organize the gifts, making easy pick up for the families.

Cederberg said, “it has been a tremendous donation to donate over seventeen thousand square feet, for us to be able to do what we do best, it’s a great partnership there’s just not words to describe it.”

Families who have been contacted by the Salvation Army with a pick up date, can come to the snake river landing off Pancheri road in Idaho Falls. For any other information give the Salvation Army a call at 522-7200

Story by Emily Clark. Originally Posted at: Local News 8