Thousands get help with Xmas gifts

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - More than 2,000 children from our area will have gifts under their tree this year, thanks to the efforts of the Red Cross and several area churches.

Families in need registered last fall for the Christmas for Everyone event. Saturday, they were able to come to the churches to pick from hundreds of toys for their children. In most cases, they were even gift-wrapped.

Co-organizer Heather Hufford said it's nice for all kids to have plenty of gifts on Christmas morning.

"We think it's awesome to help families in need, especially with the economy the way it is," she said. "A lot of families can't afford to put presents under the tree.  It gives an opportunity for parents to do so for the kids."

In addition to the gift selection, some volunteers chose to sponsor a local child, and bought gifts for the child based on his or her Christmas list.

This is the tenth year the Red Cross has sponsored the event.