KIMBERLING CITY, Mo. -- A very special store lets parents take care of their Christmas shopping in one place -- and without paying a dime.

"I have three girls; they're 14, 12 and 9," says Stone County resident Laura Cox.

 Cox faces the same challenges shopping for three daughters as anyone, and then some.

"Times are hard for a lot of people," she said.

So the Cox family has turned to Love In the Name of Christ, or Love INC.  Over the last several years, the organization has hosted parent shopping events.  This time around, it has seen requests for help bounce by around 40 percent.

"The economy really does have an effect," said Love INC director Anita Prochnow.

Those with the organization thought the economy was bad last year.  More than 800 families shopped the stores in Stone and Taney counties.  This year, they've registered 900, and that doesn't include the walk-ins expected at the end of the week.

"When folks know the need is there, they do step up," Prochnow said.

To make sure people heard about that need, the Silver Dollar City Foundation jumped in.

"Hometown Radio and the community stepped up and made noise, reminding people we need to help," says foundation representative Lisa Rau.

Unemployment in Stone County is over 9 percent and it's more than 8 percent in Taney County.  Still, the community did respond.  They filled the stores with new toys and clothes for kids birth to 18.

Alicia Matney shopped the shelves earlier and, while she couldn't donate gifts, she is giving her time by volunteering at the store.

"There's so much love and kindness and caring in the community.  Next year, when I am on my feet, that's what I'm going to do," said Matney.

As far as Christmas 2009 goes, though, her sons will have presents under the tree, as will more than 2,000 other children.

"Santa Claus will be there, thanks to Love, INC," said Cox.

The store has sites in both Stone and Taney counties, and they will accept walk-ins from those counties -- but only at specific times.

For more information, you can visit www.careforkidschristmas.com.