Salvation Army's Christmas toy drive provides more than 6K toys to area families

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Salvation Army is providing more than 6,500 toys to families in our area for Christmas. 

However, on Monday, Dec. 21, instead of families walking around picking out the toys for their kids, they made requests for what they wanted and then picked them up. 

Each family is receiving two toys per child, plus some stocking stuffers.  

Volunteers handed out the toys as part of the Salvation Army’s annual toy shop distribution, and the new toys were all donated. 

Officials say it’s an effort to help out those in need for the holidays. 

“To know that this need has really grown, so many families that are struggling, a lot of people have been laid off working, not knowing what to do. They’re trying to keep food on the table, but to be able to provide these toys helps to plant some of those funds that they do have to be able to provide Christmas for them,” Salvation Army Major Steven Woodard said. 

The Salvation Army’s kettle campaign has suffered this year because of COVID-19 restrictions and they are asking anyone who can donate to do so to help their mission.