EAST STROUDSBURG -- Nicki-Lee Engels from East Stroudsburg has been coming to the annual Salvation Army Christmas Toy Drive for the past five years. With two little boys at home, she calls this a Christmas miracle.
"It's wonderful. All the volunteers, they put this together every year and it's just out of the goodness of everyone's heart. It's wonderful! Everyone coming together to help each other out, it's how it should be," said Engels.
Table upon table in the gymnasium of the Salvation Army in East Stroudsburg are filled with all kinds of things to choose from. About 1,400 families will benefit from this toy drive.
Major James Gingrich is grateful for all the support this event receives.
"One of the truisms about living in Monroe County is that once word gets out, people respond, and they respond very generously, and we certainly appreciate that," said Major Gingrich.
It's not just toys given out at this drive, clothes and coats are also picked up too. By the time shoppers leave, they will have about 18 presents to put under the tree.
Philena Hartman is a student at Pocono Mountain East High School. She traded being in the classroom for volunteering. She feels it's important to give back during the holidays, especially to those who need it most.
"It's really important. I think this is a good idea, awesome actually. I had a lot of people just say thank you and smile and one lady actually started crying at a point," said Hartman.
The Salvation Army will continue giving out toys leading up to Christmas.
For more information on the drive, click here.