The religious group’s leaders say it’s seen a tremendous outpouring of holiday help, both financially and volunteers. The Salvation Army had so many people step up that they had to turn some away.

Wednesday was the day that the Salvation Army distributed toys and clothes. More than 200 volunteers –- 50 more than last year -- helped parents pick out the perfect gifts for their kids.

Actual toy donations are down a little, so the Salvation Army had to purchase more gifts. Families still receive the same amount as always, about seven items for each child, including winter wear to keep warm during the chilly months ahead. A lot of grateful parents walk out of the Salvation Army’s center with big smiles of relief.

“A lot of what we're doing is -- I've called it a shopping assistant,” said volunteer David Greer, who volunteered here for the first time. “You ask ‘What do they like? What's your daughter like? What's your boy like?’”

“To have people that care, and are willing to sacrifice and give up their day to help us that are in need, is very much appreciated,” said MarrGena Berry, who was shopping for her children on Wednesday.

If you want to help, you can still donate to the red kettle drive. Volunteers and their bells will be at the shopping centers through Thursday evening.

The Salvation Army of Springfield raised its red kettle goal to $555,000, 5 percent higher than last year. As of Wednesday, the group was still about 10 percent shy of reaching that goal.

The silver lining in that may be the volunteers. The Salvation Army believes that those who could not afford to give a monetary donation stepped up to help out in other ways.

Walking into the center here and accepting a handout isn't as easy as it looks. It’s something that Berry, a single mom of two, knows firsthand.

“Struggling, I can't even say,” said Berry. “It's hard to ask for help; pride gets in the way sometimes.”

Volunteers try their best to relate.

“It'd be hard coming in here and so that's just kind of how I've had it in my mind, to make it feel as normal as possible,” said Greer.

In total, parents pick out one large and one small toy plus a stocking stuffed with little presents for each child.

“I think she'll like that. She likes to be creative; she's very creative,”

They have fun; they laugh.

“Lord, she doesn't need that. Moon Sand? Would you like that all over your house?”

And in the end, “It's a privilege to be able to have a place like this to come to when your income is so low,” said Berry.

Parents leave with a renewed sense of self that, with the help of the community, they are able to provide a merry Christmas for their children.

About 900 families are receiving help with food vouchers and baskets this Christmas. More than 1,500 children are getting winter clothes and toys, and that's just Greene County.