The Salvation Army of St. Joseph is helping area families provide a Christmas of their own for families who may not have one otherwise.

With eight days left until Christmas the Salvation Army held its annual Toy Distribution Thursday at the Community Center gym at 602 Messanie St. for parents to shop for their children’s gifts.

“We want to make sure no child goes without a present during this wonderful season of giving,” said Major Abe Tamayo. “With the generous support of individuals, service clubs and businesses in our community, we will make sure every family has a very merry Christmas this year.”

More than 600 children or 200 families have applied for Christmas assistance this year.

Fundraising efforts at the Salvation Army are also still underway. Tamayo estimates the agency is only at about 34-percent of it $350,000 campaign goal. Bell ringers will be out at various locations around town helping to raise funds for Salvation Army operations until Christmas. The campaign itself will run until Jan. 15th.